School Attendance

ADMISSION

Admission to public school shall be on an individual basis on the application of the parents, legal custodian, or guardian of the child to the local board of education at the beginning of each school year, under such rules and regulations as the board may prescribe.

Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-3

ATTENDANCE ZONES/DISTRICTS

The county or city superintendent, as the case may be, shall recommend a plan for the laying out of local attendance districts and shall submit this plan for approval and adoption by the county or city board of education. Students shall be assigned to the schools within the attendance district according to local board policies, court order or applicable state laws, and /or State Board of Education mandates.

Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-9-17, 16-28-19, 16-8-34

1. REQUIRED TO ATTEND

Every child between the ages of six thru 17 must attend a public school, private school, church school, or be instructed by a competent private tutor for the entire length of the school term except that every child attending a church school is exempt from the requirements of the Code of Alabama §16-28-3, provided such child complies with the enrollment and reporting procedure specified in the Cod of Alabama §16-28-7.

Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-3

2. MINIMUM AGE FOR ADMISSION

a. On May 10, 2016, Governor Robert Bentley signed into law Alabama Act #2016-297. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the Act requires local education agencies to allow a child who is six years of age on or before December 31 to enroll in first grade. This extends the timeframe form the current date of on or before September 1 for first grade only. It does NOT extend the timeframe for enrollment in kindergarten.

b. Act #2016-297 amends the Alabama Code (1975) §16-28-4, minimum age for admission to first grade-a child who is 6 years of age on or before September 1 or the date on which school begins in the enrolling school system shall be entitled to admission to the public elementary schools at the opening of such schools for the school year or as soon as practical thereafter.

Authority: Code of Alabama Act #2016-297

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT

1. Two Proofs of Residency

A) Lease or Deed or Tax Card, Hotel or Motel Reservations

B) Current Utility Bill or Current Printout from Utility Company

2. One other item that ties you to the residents (Examples)

A) One other bill mailed to you at your residence address

B) Proof of residency from the County Register of Voters

C) Current Vehicle Registration showing residence address

3. Documentation of Legal Custodian or Guardianship

4. Updated Alabama Immunization Form (blue or pink)

Exemptions: Certificate of Medical Exemption (Form iMM51) or a Certificate of Religious Exemption (Form IMM52)

If Alabama Immunization Form is expired or not from Alabama Parent/Legal Guardian must go to Health Department or primary doctor, to get an updated or transferred form.

5. Original Social Security Card (voluntary) or assigned student number

6. Birth Verification Documents

7. Previous School Verification Documentation (If applicable)

A) Official Withdrawal Documentation (If applicable)

B) Report Card (If applicable)

C) Transcript (High School Students) (If applicable)

D) Discipline Report

E) Attendance Profile Report

*All Previous School Verification Documentation should include complete address of previous school so the new school can request for records.

8. Medical Documentation for a Specific Illness (If applicable)

9. If legal custody of a child is split between two parents, you must attach a certified copy of the court order identifying each parent’s respective award of physical custody.

ABSENCES

Every parent, guardian or other person having control or charge of any child required to attend public school, private school, or church school, shall as soon as practical explain the cause of any absence of the child under his control or charge which was without permission of the teacher, and a failure to furnish such explanation shall be admissible as evidence of such child being truant with the consent and connivance of the person in control or charge of said child, unless such person can show to the reasonable satisfaction of the court that he had no knowledge of such absence and that he has been diligent in his effort to secure the attendance of such child.

(School Code 1927, §308: Code 1940.T.52. §305: Acts 1982.No.82-218, p. 260, §7).

Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-15