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AA438 – Releasing Minors from School Attendance

  • Effective: 11/12/91
  • Revision: 9/22/20
  • Reviewed: 12/10/13
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes that under Utah Code 53G-6-202, a minor between the age of six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age is generally required to attend either a regularly established private or public school.  The Board also recognizes that there are exceptions to this provision under the law and delegates to the District Administration responsibility for developing policy to handle exceptions to these Compulsory Education requirements.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Exceptions to the compulsory attendance requirement shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. A partial release from school to enter employment may be given to students who are over age sixteen (16) and who have completed the eighth grade.  Minors excluded under this provision are required to attend part-time schooling or home schooling as prescribed by the Board.
    2. Students may be excluded from the compulsory attendance requirement in the following circumstances:
      1. The minor has completed the work required for graduation from high school.
      2. The minor is in a physical or mental condition which renders school attendance inexpedient and impractical.  The student's condition must be certified by a licensed physician.
      3. The minor's employment provides proper influences and adequate opportunities for his/her education.
      4. The Administration has determined that a minor over the age of sixteen (16) is unable to profit from attendance at school because of inability or a continuing negative attitude toward school regulations and discipline.
    3. On an annual basis, resident school-aged students shall be excused from compulsory attendance by the Board, as defined by Utah Code 53G-6-204, when:
      1. A school-age student’s parent or legal guardian files a signed and notarized affidavit with the District affirming that:
        1. The school-age student will attend a home school; and
        2. The parent assumes sole responsibility for the education of the school-age student, except to the extent that the student is dual enrolled in a public school as defined in Utah Code 53G-6-702.
      2. A certificate excusing the school-age student from attendance shall be issued by the District:
          1. Within 30 days after a signed and notarized affidavit is filed by the school-age student’s parent as provided in B.1 above.
          2. On or before August 1 each year thereafter unless the school-age student (Utah Code 53G-6-402):
            1. Enrolls in a school within the school district; or
            2. No longer attends home school; or
            3. The district of residence has changed.