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, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age shall attend school a minimum of 1,100 hours. Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, for students in grades 7-12, referred to the county attorney or, for students in grades K-6, referred to the Attendance Cooperation process. 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 attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
- 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 individual 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: The compulsory attendance law does not require school districts to have a truancy officer.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 239.5B; 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A (1999).
441 I.A.C. 41.25(8).
1978 Op. Att'y. Gen. 379.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
601.1 School Calendar
604.1 Competent Private Instruction
Approved 6/25/79 Reviewed 7/15/2020 Revised 6/18/25
