Compulsory Education laws

Public schools are a relatively new concept in Western culture. Not until the nineteenth century did states officially begin to take responsibility for educating children. Before that time education was a private matter, either handled by parents, churches, or communities that joined together and paid a teacher to educate their children.

Some early state constitutions and territory charters specifically stated that the government was responsible for the training of children in morals and the overall knowledge necessary for them to become responsible citizens. Often this responsibility was acted upon merely by subsidizing the building of schools; minimum requirements for the type of education or the number of years of education that were required of students were not set.

Today education is a responsibility that local, state, and federal governments take seriously. The teaching of morality has given way to standard academic focuses, and compulsory education laws, requiring public school attendance of all children generally between the ages of seven and sixteen, have been enacted. However, these rules frequently exempt children with permanent or temporary mental or physical disabilities, and a few states exempt students who live more than two miles from a public transportation route. Alternatives to state-run schools, including private and parochial schools and home schools, are also available.

Table 14: Compulsory Education

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
ALABAMA	16-28-1, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Church school students; child privately tutored by certified instructor; child whose physical/mental condition prevents attendance; child would be compelled to walk over 2 miles to attend public school; child legally and regularly employed; children over 16 who have completed public school course of study	Exempted from Chapter 46 regulating certain schools and courses of instruction (§§16-46-1, et seq.)	Misdemeanor: Fine up to $100 and possibly up to 90 days hard labor for the county
ALASKA	14.30.010, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Comparable education provided through religious or private school or tutoring; attends school operated by federal government; child has physical/mental condition making attendance impractical; child is in custody of court or law enforcement officer; child is temporarily ill or injured, resides over 2 miles from a route for public transportation, or has completed the 12th grade or is suspended or denied admittance under 14.30.045; child is enrolled in an approved correspondence study or is well-served by an educational experience of another kind that is approved	Tutoring by personnel certified according to §14.20.020 who holds bachelor's degree from accredited institution among other requirements	Knowing noncompliance is violation with fine up to $300; every 5 days of noncompliance is separate violation
ARIZONA	15-802	Between 6 and 16	Child receives home instruction and takes a standardized achievement test; child attends a private school full time (at least 175 days per year); physical/mental condition makes attendance impractical; child has completed 10th grade; child is over 14 and employed at a lawful wage-earning occupation with consent of custodian/parent; child enrolled in vocational education; child enrolled in another state-provided education program; waiver may be granted for good cause; child was suspended	Instruction must be in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science by a person passing a reading, grammar, and mathematics proficiency exam; home schooled child must be allowed to participate in interscholastic athletics for school district in which he/she resides	Class 3 misdemeanor; petty offense for failure to provide attendant for home-schooled child

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
ARKANSAS	6-18-201	Between 5 and 17	Child has received a high school diploma; parent may elect to withhold child from kindergarten; any child over 16 enrolled in post-secondary vocational institution or college or specific adult education programs upon certain conditions	Parents must give written notice of intent to home school; with curriculum, schedules, and qualifications of teacher presented to superintendent for each semester; child must submit to standardized achievement tests annually and at 8, if test results are unsatisfactory, child shall be enrolled in a public, private, or parochial school (§6-15-501 et. seq.)	Misdemeanor; each day is separate offense and fine of $25 to $100
CALIFORNIA	Educ. §§48200, et seq.; 48400; 48293	Between 6 and 18; unless otherwise exempted, persons 16 to 18 must attend special continuation education classes	Children attending private schools; child being tutored by person with state credential for grade being taught; children holding work permits (subject to compulsory part-time classes); child of 15 may take a leave of absence for supervised travel, study, training, or work not available to the student under another education option if certain conditions are met; illegal aliens (under Proposition 187 under judicial attack)		Guilty of an infraction; 1st conviction: fine up to $100; 2nd conviction: fine up to $250; 3rd or subsequent convictions: fine up to $500; in lieu of any fines, court may order person placed in parent education and counseling program
COLORADO	22-33-104, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Child ill or injured temporarily; child attends an independent or parochial school that provides a "basic academic education"; child absent due to a physical/mental/emotional disability; child is lawfully employed; child is in custody of court or law enforcement authority; child graduated 12th grade; child is instructed at home; child is suspended or expelled	Parents not subject to "Colorado Education Licensing Act of 1991"; must provide 4 hours of instruction on average a day; must include reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, science, and the Constitution; parents must give written notice every year and children shall be evaluated at grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11	Attendance officer designated for enforcement of compulsory education; board of education of each school district shall adopt policies and procedures for habitually truant child

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
CONNECTICUT	10-184; 185	Between 6 and 16	Child receiving equivalent instruction elsewhere; high school graduate	Must include: reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, U.S. history and citizenship; child must be receiving an equivalent instruction	Fine maximum $25 per day: each day is distinct offense; exception for parents of child destitute of clothing
DELAWARE	Tit. 14 §§2702, et seq.	Between 5 and 16	Private school attendance; mentally or physically handicapped; by parents' request with written documentation of physician or psychiatrist	Home school is affiliated with a home school association or organization is registered with Dept. of Education	Fined not less than $5 and not more than $25 for first offense; not more than $50 for each subsequent offense in a school year
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	38-201, et seq.	Between 5 and 18	Child obtained diploma; if 17 and lawfully employed, school hours may be flexible	Regular attendance in an independent school; private or parochial instruction	Misdemeanor; at least $100 fine or prison up to 5 days or both per offense or community service in the alternate; One offense is the equivalent of missing 2 full-day sessions or 4 half-day sessions in one month; failure to enroll child is also offense
FLORIDA	1003.21, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Certificate of exception granted by the district school superintendent	Notify superintendent of schools, maintain a portfolio of records and materials, and evaluate education annually, including a national student achievement test or other method of evaluation	Non-enrollment: superintendent shall begin criminal prosecution; refusing to have child attend regularly is second degree misdemeanor

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
GEORGIA	20-2-690, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Private school or home study	Must teach at least reading, language arts, math, social studies, and science; parents must give annual notice; parent must have at least a high school diploma or may employ a tutor with a baccalaureate college degree; subject to standardized testing; must provide annual progress assessment report	Misdemeanor; fine up to $100 and/or prison up to 30 days; each day's absence is separate offense
HAWAII	302A-1132, et seq.	Between 6 and 18	Child is physically or mentally unable to attend; child is at least 15 and suitably employed and excused by school representative or judge; permission after investigation by the family court; child has graduated high school; child is enrolled in an appropriate alternative educational program		Petty misdemeanor
IDAHO	33-202, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Child is otherwise comparably instructed; child's physical/mental/emotional condition does not permit attendance	Comparably instructed	Proceedings brought under provisions of the Youth Rehabilitation Act
ILLINOIS	105 ILCS 5/26-1, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Child attending private or parochial school; child is physically/mentally unable to attend school; child is excused by county superintendent; child 12 to 14 attending confirmation classes; pregnant female with complications to pregnancy; child is necessarily and lawfully employed; excused for temporary cause by principal or teacher	People v. Levisen, 90 N.E.2d 213 (1950). Home instruction may constitute a private school.	Conviction is Class C misdemeanor subject to up to 30 days imprisonment and/or fine up to $500
INDIANA	20-8.1-3-17, et seq.	Between 7 and 16 if an exit interview requirement is met; otherwise 18	Child provided with instruction equivalent to public education or in nonaccredited, nonpublic school; child is physically/mentally unfit for attendance	Notice to superintendent of school and must provide an "equivalent education" (See Mazanec v. North Judson-San Pierre Sch. Corp., 614 F. Supp. 1152 (N.D.Ind. 1875), affirmed. 798 F. 2d 230 (7th Cir. 1986))	Class B misdemeanor

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
IOWA	299.1, et seq.; 299A.1, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Accredited nonpublic school, private college preparatory school or competent private instruction; completed requirements for graduation from accredited school or GED; sufficient reason by court of record or judge; while attending religious services or receiving religious instruction; physical/mental conditions do not permit attendance	Competent private instruction; minimum 148 days; annual achievement evaluation reported to school	School officers will use means available to school; if persists, referred to county attorney for mediation or prosecution; violations of agreement (mediation): 1st offense: up to 10 days jail or up to $100 fine or 40 hours of community service; 2nd offense: up to 20 days jail and/or up to $500 fine or community service; 3rd or more: up to 30 days jail and/or up to $1000 fine or community service
KANSAS	72-1111, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Private, denominational, or parochial school taught by competent instructor; exceptional students may have different requirements	Home school held not to be equivalent of "private, denominational or parochial school," State v. Lowry, 191 K. 701-704; 383 P. 2d 962. Home school does not meet requirements of compulsory school attendance law. (See State v. Garber, 197 K. 567-569, 419 P.2d 896. and In Re Sawyer, 234 K.436, 439, 442, 672 P.2d 1093 (1983))	Secretary of Social & Rehabilitative Services investigates matter; determination made as to criminal prosecution or county attorney can make petition alleging child in need of care
KENTUCKY	159.010, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Graduate from approved 4 year high school; enrolled in private, parochial, or church school; child less than 7 years old and in regular attendance in a private kindergarten-nursery school; physical/mental condition prevents it; enrolled in state supported school for exceptional children		1st offense: $100 fine; 2nd offense: $250 fine; subsequent: Class B misdemeanor

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
LOUISIANA	17:221, et seq.	Between 7 and 18	Mentally/physically/emotionally incapacitated to perform school duties; children living outside boundaries of city, town, or municipality; children temporarily excused from school (personal or relative's illness, death, religion); withdrawal by student with written consent of parent, guardian, or tutor	Parent must apply to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval of home study; must make renewal application each year; must sustain curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools; competency-based education exams may be administered by local school board upon parental request	Fine up to $15 for each offense; each day violated is separate offense
MAINE	Tit. 20-A §5001-A, et seq.	Between 7 and 17	Graduates early; 15 years old or finished 9th grade; permission from parent; approved by principal for suitable program of work and study; permission from school board and written agreement that parent and board will annually meet until 17th birthday to review educational needs; habitual truant; matriculated and attending post-secondary, degree-granting institution full-time; equivalent instruction from private school or other approved manner	"Equivalent instruction" approved by commissioner; local boards not required to play any role in application, review and approval, or oversight of program	Civil violation; district court may order injunctive relief or counseling
MARYLAND	Educ. 7-301	Between 5 and 16	Receiving other regular, thorough instruction in studies usually taught in public schools to children of same age group; mental/emotional/physical condition which makes his instruction detrimental to his progress or whose presence presents danger of serious physical harm to others	Receiving otherwise regular, thorough instruction in studies usually taught in public schools to children of same age group	Guilty of misdemeanor; first conviction: subject to fine up to $50 and/or up to 10 days jail; subsequent conviction: fine of $100 and/or up to 30 days jail
MASSACHUSETTS	76 §1, et seq.	Established by Board of Education; pending such establishment :7 & 16 (St. 1965, c. 741); 7 minimum (Alvord v. Chester, 180 Mass. 20, 61 N.E. 263 (1901));	14 to 16 years old, completed 6th grade, holds permit for employment in domestic service or farm, and is regularly employed there 6 hours per day minimum; 14 to 16 years old, meets requirements and has written permission of superintendent to engage in non-wage earning employment at home; physical/mental condition does not permit	Approval falls to superintendent or school committee; may review curriculum, method of evaluation, nature of textbooks and other factors (Care & Protection of Charles, 504 N.E. 2d 592 (1987))	Up to $20 fine for any absence over 7 days (or 14 half-days) in a period of 6 months

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
MICHIGAN	380.1561, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Enrolled in approved non-public school which teaches subjects comparable to those in public schools to children of same age; under 9 years old and doesn't reside within 2.5 miles of nearest traveled road of public school and transportation not provided; age 12 to 13 while in attendance of confirmation classes not to exceed 5 months	An organized education program which teaches subjects comparable to those taught in public schools to children of corresponding age and grade	Warrant issued, hearing and determination made; misdemeanor: fine of $5 to $50 and/or 2 to 90 days jail
MINNESOTA	120A.22, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	"Good cause" determined by school board including: physical/mental condition prevents it; complete graduation requirements	Writing, reading, literature and fine arts, math, science, social studies including history, geography, and government, and health and physical education; instruction, textbooks, and materials must be in English; child must be assessed each year with standardized achievement test; superintendent can make on-site visits to evaluate	Misdemeanor
MISSISSIPPI	37-13-91	Between 6 and 17	Child is physically/mentally/emotionally incapable of attendance; child enrolled in special or remedial type education; educated in legitimate home instruction program	Parent must file a "certificate of enrollment" and education must be a "legitimate home instruction program."	Guilty of "contributing to the neglect of a child" and punished according to §97-5-39: misdemeanor with fine up to $1000 and/or up to 1 year in jail

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
MISSOURI	167.031, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Determined mentally/physically incapable of attendance; child is 14 to 16 and legally and desirably employed	Primary purpose is provision of private or religious-based instruction; no more than 4 pupils may be unrelated by consanguinity to the 3rd degree; no tuition charged; parents must keep written records, samples of child's work, evaluation of progress; minimum hours of instruction in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science	Class C misdemeanor; upon conviction each successive school day is separate violation; penalty may be mitigated by enrolling and showing child is attending school
MONTANA	20-5-102, et seq.	Between 7 and the later of attaining 16 or finishing 8th grade	Enrolled in another district or state; supervised correspondence or home study; excused by district judge or board of trustees; enrolled in nonpublic or home school	Give notice to county superintendent; maintain records; give 180 days of instruction; building complies with health and safety regulations; provide organized course of study in subjects required by public schools	Fine of $5 to $20; if parent refuses to pay he shall be imprisoned in county jail 10 to 30 days
NEBRASKA	79-201, et seq.; 43-2007	Between 7 and 16	Child has graduated high school; child 14 is employed and has completed 8th grade and earnings are necessary for his support or dependents; child is physically/mentally incapacitated; illness or severe weather conditions make attendance impossible	Home school valid if complies with §§79-1601 through 79-1607; subject to and governed by the provisions of the general school laws of the state so far as the same apply to grades, qualifications, and certification of teachers and promotion of pupils; adequate supplies and equipment, course of study substantially same as given in the public schools where children would have attended	Class III misdemeanor

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
NEVADA	392.040, et seq.	Between 7 and 17	Private school; physical/mental condition preventing attendance; completion of 12 grades; receiving equivalent, approved instruction; residence too far from nearest school; with written evidence, child over 14 must work for his or parents' support or with board's authority; any child who has completed education through eighth grade and receives permission from court	Equivalent instruction of the kind and amount approved by the state board of education	Misdemeanor
NEW HAMPSHIRE	193.1, et seq., 193-A, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	If in the best welfare of the child; approved private school; physical/mental condition prevents or makes attendance undesirable; receiving home education	Planned and supervised instructional and related educational activities including curriculum and instruction in science, math, language, government, history, health, reading, writing and spelling, history of U.S. and New Hampshire constitution and exposure to and appreciation of art and music; notification and evaluation required; home schooled children shall have access to curricular courses and programs offered by school district where child resides	Misdemeanor and compel child to attend school
NEW JERSEY	18A:38-25, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Mental condition such that student cannot benefit; physical condition prevents attendance; child attends day school where instruction is equivalent to that provided in public schools for children of similar grades and attainments	Child must receive equal instruction	Convicted as disorderly persons; 1st offense: up to $25 fine; subsequent: up to $100 fine

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
NEW MEXICO	22-12-1, et seq.; 22-8-2M	5 years to age of majority as defined in 28-6-1 (21)	Private school, home school, or state institution; graduated from high school; 17 years old and employed in gainful trade or occupation or engaged in alternative form of education sufficient for the person's educational needs and the parent/guardian consents; consent of parent/guardian if resident and under 8 years old; unable to benefit because of learning disabilities, mental/physical/emotional condition	Means of meeting requirement of compulsory education	1st offense: petty misdemeanor, $25 to $100 fine or community service; 2nd and subsequent: petty misdemeanor, up to $500 fine or up to 6 months jail
NEW YORK	Educ. §§3201, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Non-public or home instruction; mental/physical condition endangers him or others; completed 4 year high school program; full-time employment certificate; may also be allowed to attend part-time with employment	Instruction given to a minor must be at least substantially equivalent to the instruction that would be received by minors of like age and attainments in the public school where child resides	1st offense: fine not exceeding $10 or 10 days jail; subsequent offense: up to $50 and/or 30 days jail
NORTH CAROLINA	115C-378	Between 7 and 16	Approved by state board of education (mental or physical inability to attend, immediate demands of the farm or home, etc.)	Maintain such minimum curriculum standards as are required of public schools; must be recognized by Office of Non-Public Schools and meet requirements of Article 39 of Chapter 115C (115C-547, et seq. standardized testing, high school competency, health and safety standards notice)	Class 3 misdemeanor

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
NORTH DAKOTA	15.1-20-01, et seq.	Between 7 and 16	Child attends school for same length of time at approved, non-public school; child has completed high school; child necessary to support family; child has disability that renders attendance or participation impracticable; child is home educated	Must file statement with superintendent 14 days before home schooling begins. Parent must be either: licensed to teach, holder of a B.A., has passed national teaching exam, or meets requirements of public school teacher as specified in 15.1-23-06. Instruction must be minimum four hours per day for minimum of 175 days a year and must encompass instruction taught in public schools. Student must take standardized test and parent must file results with the superintendent
OHIO	3321.01, et seq.	Between 6 and 18	Child received high school diploma; lawfully employed (if over 14 for necessary work); physical/mental condition does not permit attendance; child being instructed at home	Instructed by person qualified to teach in required branches; approval necessary by district superintendent; if challenged, a religious-based exemption must pass 3-pronged test: (1) Are religious beliefs sincere? (2) Will application of compulsory education law infringe on right to free exercise of religion? (3) Does the state have an overriding interest? Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972) (adopted in Ohio in State v. Whisner 470 S.2d 181 (1976))	File complaint; required to give $500 bond conditioned that child will attend school; violation: up to $500 or 70 hrs. community service; upon refusal to pay fine, imprisonment 10 to 30 days
OKLAHOMA	Tit. 70 §10-105;§1744	Between 5 and 18; deaf children between 7 and 21	Mental/physical disability prevents attendance; child is 16 and has permission of school and parents; emergency	Instruction must be in good faith and equivalent to that given by the state; Op. Atty. Gen. 73-129 (Feb. 13, 1973)	Misdemeanor; 1st offense: $5 to $25; 2nd offense: $10 to $50; subsequent: $25 to $100

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
OREGON	339.005, et seq.	Between 7 and 18	Child has completed 12th grade; attending private school; proof of equivalent knowledge of subjects through 12th grade; children taught by parent or private teacher; over 16 and lawfully employed; child is emancipated; child is employed	Give notice to superintendent and notice must be acknowledged by him; annual examination given and results submitted to superintendent; if insufficient score, student may be ordered to attend public school	Written notice to parent given; upon noncompliance, district superintendent notified
PENNSYLVANIA	Tit. 24 §§13-1326, et seq.	Between 8 and 17	Graduated high school; 15 and with approval, child may enroll in private trade school; enrolled in home education program pursuant to Tit. 24 §13-1327.1 or private school; physical/mental defects rendering education impracticable; 16 and lawfully employed; 15 and engaged in farming or domestic service or 14 if engaged in same having achieved highest elementary grade; resides over 2 miles from nearest public highway, school or free public transportation is not furnished	File annual notice with a notarized affidavit of various information including proposed education objectives and immunization record; evaluation by teacher or administrator; minimum course requirements at each educational level; portfolio of records and materials	Up to $300, together with costs and upon default of payment subjected to county jail up to 5 days
RHODE ISLAND	16-19-1, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Child attends private school or is home-instructed by approval of school committee; physical/mental condition of child renders attendance impracticable; child is excluded from school by virtue of a law or regulation	Period of attendance is same as public schools; register kept and reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, history of Rhode Island and U.S., and principles of American government are taught	Not more than $50 for each absent day and if days exceed 30 during a school year parent shall be imprisoned up to 6 months and/or fined up to $500

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
SOUTH CAROLINA	59-65-10, et seq.	Between 5 and 17	Enrolled in private, parochial, or other approved program; child graduated; physical/mental disability; 8th grade completed and gainfully and lawfully employed; child has reached age 16 and determined to be disruptive to educational program and enters into gainful employment until 17	Instruction given under auspices of South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools and its requirements exempts home school from further requirements; otherwise, instruction must be approved; parent has at least a high school diploma or GED; include 180 days of instruction per year; curriculum includes reading, writing, math, science, social studies; composition and literature (in grades 7–12)	Not more than $50 fine or prison up to 30 days; each absence is separate offense; court may suspend any conviction in its discretion
SOUTH DAKOTA	13-27-1, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Child achieved 8th grade and fits into a religious exemption; competent instruction received from another source; illness in the family	Parent need not be certified but Department of Education may ensure instruction is being provided and inspect records; may not instruct over 22 children; must take national standardized test provided by school district; must be for equivalent period of time as public school; must include basic skills of language arts and math	Class 2 misdemeanor; each subsequent offense is Class 1 misdemeanor
TENNESSEE	49-6-3001, et seq.	Between 6 and 17 inclusive	Child has graduated high school or has GED; physical/mental incapacity; mentally or physically incapacitated to perform school duties; child is 17 and conduct is detrimental to good order and benefit of other children; home school or nonpublic school instruction	Approved by local education agency; teacher/parent must have at least GED for teaching K-8, baccalaureate degree for 9-12; give notice; maintain records; at least 4 hours per day; standardized tests taken; parents associated with church-related school organizations exempt from requirements	After notice and failure to comply, judge may fine up to $50 or 5 hours community service; class C misdemeanor

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
TEXAS	Educ. §25.085, et seq.	Between 6 and 18	Child is 16, and in a course of instruction as recommended by a public agency with custody of child; child is 17 and has a high school certificate; enrolled in private or parochial school which includes a course in good citizenship; handicapped child or child with mental condition making attendance infeasible; child enrolled in Texas Academy of Leadership in Humanities or Texas Academy of Math and Sciences; is expelled	Children taught in bona fide manner from curriculum designed to meet basic education goals (Texas Educ. Agency v. Leeper 893 S.W. 2d 432 (1994))	Warn parent in writing; on noncompliance, file complaint against parents for offense of Class C misdemeanor; each day constitutes separate offense
UTAH	53A-11-101, et seq.	Between 6 and 18	Child 16 may be partially released if completed 8th grade; completed work for graduation; home-schooled; physical/mental condition making attendance impracticable; employment provides proper influences and adequate educational opportunities; child is 16 and determined unable to profit from school because of inability or negative attitude toward discipline	Subjects proscribed by state board of education; same length of time required as in district's schools	Misdemeanor; report to appropriate juvenile court
VERMONT	Tit. 16 §§1121, et seq.; Tit. 16, §166b	Between 6 and 16	Child physically/mentally unable to attend; child has completed 10th grade; child is excused by superintendent; enrolled in and attending a postsecondary school	Written notice must be given; enrollment reports; progress assessments through standardized tests or licensed teacher	Truant officer gives notice and upon noncompliance without a legal excuse fine of up to $1000; also complaint entered to town grand juror
VIRGINIA	22.1-254, et seq.	Between 5 and 18	Enrolled in private, parochial, or home instruction or taught by qualified tutor; children suffering infectious diseases; children under 10 living over 2 miles from school unless transportation provided within 1 mile; children 10 to 17 living over 2.5 miles from school unless transportation within 1.5 miles; achieved high school diploma; upon recommendation of court; expulsion or other offense	Parent must hold baccalaureate degree or be certified teacher or use approved correspondence course or other approved program including standards of board of education for language arts and mathematics; parent must give notice; approved achievement tests or evaluation required	Class 3 misdemeanor

Table 14: Compulsory Education—Continued

State	Code Section	Age Requirements	Exceptions	Home School Provisions	Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance
WASHINGTON	28A.225.01 0; 090	Between 8 and 18	Enrolled in private school; home-based instruction; physically/mentally incapable of attending; child is 16 or older and legally employed or has met graduation requirements or has received certificate of educational competence	Instruction in occupational education, science, math, language, social studies, history, health, writing, reading, spelling, and appreciation for art and music; must be supervised by certified person or by a parent with 45 college level credit hours	$25 for each day of unexcused absence and/or community service; attendance officer may, through school district's attorney, petition juvenile court to assume jurisdiction
WEST VIRGINIA	18-8-1, et seq.	Between 6 and 16	Enrolled in private, parochial, or other approved school; instruction in home; physical/mental incapacity; residence over 2 miles from school or school bus route; conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous; child has graduated; work permit granted for students who have completed 8th grade; serious illness or death in family; destitution in the home	Notice given; records kept; if child's education is suffering or for another compelling reason, superintendent may seek court order denying home instruction; instructor must have graduated high school or had formal education 4 yrs. higher than the most advanced student; child must take standardized test	First offense: $50 to $100 and cost of prosecution; subsequent offense: $50–100 fine plus 5 to 20 days jail; each absent day is separate offense
WISCONSIN	118.15, et seq.	Between 6 and 18	Child has graduated; physical/mental condition renders incapable; child is home-schooled or attends private school; at 16 child may attend technical school leading to high school graduation	Must meet requirements for a private school such as at least 875 hours of instruction each year; instruction in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, and health; performance monitored on regular basis	Fine up to $500 and/or prison up to 30 days; if child's disobedience can be shown, action shall be dismissed
WYOMING	21-4-101, et seq.	Between 7 and 16 (or completion of 10th grade)	Board believes attendance detrimental to mental/physical health of child or other children; attendance would be undue hardship; home-schooled or private school; student is suspended or expelled	Meets requirements of basic academic educational program including reading, writing, math, civics, history, literature, and science; parent must submit curriculum to local board	Misdemeanor: at least $5 to $25 fine and/or up to 10 days in county jail