Skip To Main Content

Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

JEA - COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

  • Section J: Students

JEA - COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

1. Basis for this Policy

Compulsory education is essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people and the continued prosperity of our nation. Maintaining regular student attendance is necessary to achieve the goal of an educated citizenry.

2. Compulsory Attendance Ages

Under state law, full-time attendance at school is required of every child 6 years of age or older and under age 17, unless they have received a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Although not required to enroll in school, if a child who is 5 years of age and under age 6 is voluntarily enrolled in a public school and has not formally withdrawn, that child is required to attend school when it is in session.

3. Excusable Absences from School

A person’s absence from school is “excused” for the purposes of truancy reporting when the absence is for one of the following reasons:

  1. Personal illness/health, including the person's physical, mental and behavioral health;
     
  2. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day and the absence has prior approval;
     
  3. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day;
     
  4. A family emergency;
     
  5. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose which has been approved; or
     
  6. Education disruption resulting from homelessness, unplanned psychiatric hospitalization, unplanned hospitalization for a medical emergency, foster care placement, youth development center placement, or some other out-of-district placement that is not otherwise authorized by an IEP or other education plan or Superintendents’ agreement.
     

4. Adult Responsibility for School Attendance

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that a student of compulsory attendance age attends school as required by law. The Board expects school administrators and staff to work with families in an effort to ensure compliance.

5. Exceptions to the Compulsory Attendance Requirement

The requirement of compulsory attendance at school does not apply to students who meet the requirements in one of the following sections:

  1. They have graduated from high school before that person’s 17th birthday;
     
  2. They have:
    1. Reached the age of 15 years of age or completed the 9th grade;
       
    2. Obtained permission to leave school from their parent/guardian 
       
    3. Been approved by the principal for a suitable program of work and study or training;
       
    4. Obtained permission to leave school from the Board or its designee; and
       
    5. Agreed in writing with that person’s parent/guardian and the Board or its designee to meet annually until that person’s 17th birthday to review that person’s educational needs.

If a request to be excused from school is denied pursuant to this section, the student’s parent/guardian may appeal to the Commissioner of Education.

  1. They have matriculated in and are attending an accredited, post-secondary, degree-granting institution as a full-time student. An exception to the compulsory attendance law under this paragraph must be approved by the Commissioner of Education, or
     
  2. They are enrolled in an online learning program or course.
     

6. Alternatives to Attendance in Public School

A person age 6 or older and under age 17 shall be excused from attending a public day school if they obtain equivalent instruction as allowed by law. A person under age 6 is not required to comply with this section.

Equivalent instruction alternatives are as follows:

  1. A private school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to state law and regulations;
     
  2. A private school recognized by the Department of Education as providing equivalent instruction;
     
  3. A home instruction program that complies with state law and regulations;
     
  4. Any other manner arranged by the Board and approved by the Commissioner of Education; or
     
  5. An approved alternative education program or adult education program" as provided in 20-A MRS Sections 5104-A or 8605

A student shall be credited with attendance at a private school under Paragraphs A or B only if the legally required certificate from the private school is filed with the student’s school unit.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 5001-A et seq.; 5051 et seq.; 2901; 5104-A; 8605

Chapters 125 and 127 (Maine Department of Education Rules)

Cross Reference: JFC – Student Withdrawal from School 

JHB – Truancy

IHBG – Home Schooling

IHDA - Student Admission to Adult Education

Adopted: 02/01/2010 

Reviewed: 03/19/2018

Updated: 10/21/2024

 

 

  • Section J