FILE: JBA
COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGES
Except as provided by law, every child in the state is required by state law to attend public or private school from the child's seventh (7th) birthday until his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday, unless the child graduates prior to his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday. Any child below the age of seven (7) who legally enrolls in school shall also be required to attend school. If a child in these age brackets was a resident of this parish when school opened and enters school late without having attended another public or private school or approved home study program during the current school session within or without the parish, a statement should be secured from the parents or guardian giving the reasons why the child has not been in school. If these reasons are not satisfactory, the matter should be referred to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, who may find it necessary to refer it to the proper court.
EXCEPTIONS
Certain exceptions to the compulsory attendance laws are allowed as provided by state law and included in policy JBD, Absences and Excuses. In addition, statutes provide for the following:
The parent, tutor, or other person responsible for the school attendance of a child between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) who is enrolled in school may request that the student be allowed to attend an effective adult education program or a career and technical education program.
Compulsory attendance does not apply to any child who is under the age of seventeen (17) and is attending or seeking admission to a National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Louisiana.
FAILURE TO COMPLY
Failure to abide by the compulsory school attendance laws of the state may result in a referral to Families in Need of Services (FINS) which is a state mandated program or to the District Court with jurisdiction.
Revised: August, 2005
Revised: December, 2008
Approved: February 2, 2009
Revised: September 13, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:226, 17:226.1, 17:233
La. Children’s Code, Art. 730
Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education
Board minutes, 11-7-05, 2-2-09, 9-13-10
Acadia Parish School Board