What does the compulsory attendance statute require in respect to children's enrollment and attendance at school? |
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All parents or guardians having custody or control of a child between the ages of seven and sixteen, must ensure that the child is enrolled in and regularly attends some public, private, parochial school, or home school meeting the statutory requirements for home schooling, or a combination of such school for the full term of the school.
Children between five and seven years of age are not required to be enrolled in school. If they are enrolled in a public school, however, their parents or guardians must ensure that they attend regularly. |
Are there any exceptions to the compulsory attendance law? |
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There are several exceptions to the general law. Children under seven and children over sixteen years old are not required to be enrolled in school. Some children with disabilities between seven and sixteen may be excused from attending school all day under certain circumstances; and, students between the ages of fourteen and sixteen may be excused from attending school full time under circumstances defined in the statute. |
Who is responsible for ensuring that all children within compulsory attendance ages attend one or a combination of schools as required by the statute? |
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According to Section 167.031, RSMo*, every parent, guardian or other person having charge, control or custody of a child between the ages of seven and sixteen is responsible for ensuring that the child complies with the compulsory attendance law. In addition Section 167.111, RSMo*, requires the Commissioner of Education, superintendent of schools, school boards, and every school attendance and probation officer to enforce the compulsory attendance laws. |
*Click here for the complete text of Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 167, Pupils and Special Services |
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