File:  JEA - Compulsory Attendance Ages

Every child who has attained the age of six years on or before August 1st 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.

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 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 does not comply with the compulsory attendance law.

Statutory

Revised October 13, 1997

Revised June 11, 2007

Revised July 14, 2008

Revised September 9, 2013

LEGAL REFS.:  C.R.S.22-33-104

C.R.S.22-33-104.5

C.R.S.22-33-107

C.R.S.22-33-108

C.R.S. 22-32-110(1)(mm)

NOTE 1:  On or after July 1, 2008, 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.

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.  The Board of Education may pass a resolution authorizing one or more employees of the school district to represent the school district in truancy proceedings in state court.