School Attendance Intervention Program

What does the law say about school attendance?

Minnesota State Statute (120) requires that children attend school from age 7, or upon enrollment in school, until age 18. A student is required to attend school each and every day and every class period. If a student misses a school day, or part of a school day for legitimate reasons, a parent or guardian must notify the school.

Whose responsibility is it to make sure a child attends school?

Educational Neglect:
For students that are 11 and younger, it is primarily the responsibility of the parent to ensure attendance.
•  Educational Neglect Definitions
•  Educational Neglect Diversion Services
•  Child Protection Intervention due to Educational Neglect

Truancy:
For students that are 12 and older, it is primarily the student's responsibility to attend school, and the parent's responsibility to compel their child to attend school.
•  Truancy Definitions                             
•  Truancy Diversion Services
•  Court Action
•  Potential Consequences

What about "dropping out?"

Children age 16 and 17 cannot independently "dropout" from school. A parent must legally withdraw a child from school. Contact the school with questions about this process.

What about Emancipation?

In Minnesota there is no legal means for a child to be emancipated from their parent(s). Parents are legally responsible for their child until the child is 18 years old.