501.3 - Compulsory Attendance

Policy 501.03: Compulsory Attendance	Status: APPROVED
Original Adopted Date: 01/10/2022| Last Revised Date: 08/12/2024 | Last Reviewed Date: 08/12/2024

 

Parents 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 1080 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:

• 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 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	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 References

Code	Description
601.01	School Calendar
604.01	Private Instruction