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501.3 Compulsory Attendance

 

Code No. 501.3 

Page 1 of 2

 

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE 

 

Parents or legal guardians within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students will attend school the number of days or hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 156 days or 1027 hours.  Students not attending the minimum days or hour must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

  • have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma; 

  • are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;

  • are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction; 

  • are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;

  • has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance;

  • has a plan under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child’s attendance;

  • are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school; 

  • are attending an accredited nonpublic school;

  • are receiving independent private instruction; or, 

  • are receiving competent private instruction. 

 

It is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above. 

 

Note: This is a mandatory policy.  The compulsory attendance law does not require school districts to have a truancy officer. 

 

Legal Reference:     Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; 299; 299A. 

 

I.C. Iowa Code References        Description

Iowa Code  § 259A            High School Equivalency Diploma

Iowa Code §  279            Directors - Powers and Duties

Iowa Code §  299            Compulsory Education

Iowa Code § 299A            Private Instruction

 

Cross Reference:     601.1 Student Calendar

604.1 Private Instruction 

Code No. 501.3 

Page 2 of 2

 

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE 

 

604.1 Competent Private Instruction 

 

Revised 9/11/2024

Approved 2/24/16

Grinnell-Newburg School District, Grinnell, IA