Important Compulsory School Age Change
Act 16 of 2019 was signed by Governor Wolf on June 28, 2019. Among other things, this law changed the definition of “compulsory school age” in Section 1326 of the School Code. Previously, the age of compulsory attendance was eight.
Effective September 26, 2019, all children from the age of six (6) through the age of eighteen (18) must comply with compulsory school attendance requirements. To meet these requirements, parents must ensure that their child between the ages of 6 and 18 is attending or participating in one of the following:
- A public elementary, middle, or high school
- A public charter or cyber-charter school
- A private licensed academic or private religious school
- Home tutoring by a certified teacher
- Or an approved program of homeschooling
Children may be excused from compulsory attendance for documented medical or other compelling reasons as outlined in district attendance policy.