Legal Definitions - compulsory-school-attendance law

A compulsory-school-attendance law is a legal mandate established by a government that requires children within a specific age range to attend a recognized educational institution or participate in an approved educational program, such as homeschooling, for a designated period. These laws are designed to ensure that all children receive a foundational education and are typically enforced by state or local authorities.

• Example 1: In the state of California, children between the ages of 6 and 18 are legally required to attend school. If a family recently moved to California and their 7-year-old child has not been enrolled in any school or approved educational program, the parents would be in violation of the state's compulsory-school-attendance law. The law compels them to ensure their child is receiving an education.

• Example 2: A couple in Oregon decides to educate their 10-year-old daughter at home. Oregon's compulsory-school-attendance law permits homeschooling, but it requires parents to notify their local education service district, have their child tested annually, and teach specific subjects. By adhering to these regulations, the parents are fulfilling their obligations under the compulsory-school-attendance law, even though their child is not attending a traditional school building.

• Example 3: A 15-year-old student in Texas frequently misses classes without a valid excuse, accumulating numerous unexcused absences. Under Texas's compulsory-school-attendance law, schools are required to notify parents of excessive absences, and if the truancy continues, the school district can initiate legal proceedings against the student and/or parents. This demonstrates how the law enforces the requirement for consistent attendance and outlines the consequences for non-compliance.