501.1 - Compulsory Attendance

Parents within the school district who have children over age 6 and under age 16 by September 15th, 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.

A child who has reached the age of 5 by September 15th, and who is enrolled in the school district, shall be considered to be of compulsory attendance age unless the parent/legal guardian of the child notifies the school district in writing of their intent to remove the child from enrollment in the school district.

A child who has reached the age of 4 by September 15th, and who is enrolled in the statewide preschool program under Chapter 256C, shall be considered to be of compulsory attendance age unless the parent/legal guardian of the child submits written notice to the school district implementing the program of their intent to remove the child from enrollment in the preschool program.

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 90% of the approved calendar days or hours. Students not attending the minimum days or hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or referred to the county attorney.

Exceptions to this policy include children who:

  1. Have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
  2. Are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
  3. Are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
  4. Are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
  5. Has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that affects the child's attendance;
  6. Has a plan under Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. §794) that affects the child's attendance;
  7. Are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
  8. Are attending an accredited nonpublic school;
  9. Are receiving independent private instruction; or
  10. Are receiving competent private instruction.

It is the responsibility of the parent 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.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 4/12; 7/13; 10/14; 1/15; 9/20
Revised: 5/11; 10/17; 2/21; 10/23; 8/24
Related Policy: 501.11; 501.11-R; 601.2
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-11; 299; 299.A
Iowa Senate File 2435
IASB Reference: 501.03
Mandatory Policy