File:  JEA - Compulsory Attendance Ages

NOTE: While Colorado school districts are not required by law to adopt a policy on this subject, some content in this sample reflects legal requirements school districts must follow. This sample contains the content/language that CASB believes best meets the intent of the law. However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

Every child who has attained the age of six years on or before August 1 of each year and is under the age of 17 is required to attend public school with such exceptions as provided by law. It is the parents' responsibility to ensure attendance.

The courts may issue orders against the child, child's parent, or both compelling the child to attend school or the parent to take reasonable steps to assure the child's attendance. The order may require the parent, child, or both to follow an appropriate treatment plan that addresses problems affecting the child's school attendance and that ensures an opportunity for the child to obtain a quality education.

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REFS.: C.R.S. 22-32-110 (1)(mm) (board may authorize school employee to represent school district in judicial proceedings to enforce compulsory attendance)

C.R.S. 22-33-104 (compulsory school attendance ages)

C.R.S. 22-33-104.5 (home-based education)

C.R.S. 22-33-107 (enforcement of school attendance laws)

C.R.S. 22-33-108 (judicial proceedings to enforce school attendance laws)

NOTE 1:  A parent of a five or six year old child who is attending preschool or kindergarten may notify the child's school of the parent's wish that the child not advance to first grade in the following school year. The school shall not advance the child to first grade after receiving this notice from the parent. C.R.S. 22-33-104 (1)(d).

NOTE 2: State law requires the local board of education to designate an attendance officer for the district to enforce the provisions of the compulsory attendance law, counsel students and parents, and investigate the causes of nonattendance and report those findings to the Board. C.R.S. 22-33-107 (1). State law allows the board by resolution to authorize one or more school employees to represent the school district in judicial proceedings to enforce compulsory attendance. C.R.S. 22-32-110 (1)(mm).

NOTE 3: State law provides that court proceedings to compel compliance with the compulsory attendance law shall only be used as a last-resort approach for addressing the problem of truancy. The district shall first have attempted other options for addressing truancy that employ best practices and research-based strategies to minimize the need for court action. Before initiating court proceedings, the district shall provide written notice to the student and his or her parent that the district will initiate court proceedings if the student doesn't comply with the compulsory attendance law. C.R.S. 22-33-108 (5).

[Revised June 2013]

COLORADO SAMPLE POLICY 1993