{"id":354902,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/education-options\/truancy-and-home-schooling.html"},"modified":"2023-10-27T22:44:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-28T03:44:05","slug":"truancy-and-home-schooling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/education-options\/truancy-and-home-schooling.html","title":{"rendered":"Truancy and Home Schooling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Truancy and Home Schooling<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Truancy is when a student misses school without a valid reason. State law requires students of a certain age to attend public school. Students may attend a private school or a nonpublic school. Regardless of the type of school, children must attend for a set number of hours each school year. Compulsory attendance laws ensure children receive an education. When students don’t follow these rules, it violates education law.<\/p>\r\n

But what happens if a student is homeschooled? Homeschooling is when parents or legal guardians educate their children at home. It’s a different course of study than traditional public school. Homeschooling families create an educational program that suits their child’s needs.<\/p>\r\n

This article addresses truancy and homeschooling laws in the United States.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Truancy?<\/h2>\r\n

Truancy<\/a> refers to the act of missing school without a valid reason. It presents a challenge for many school systems. This is because regular attendance is crucial for consistent learning and academic progress. Truancy can lead to various negative outcomes. Examples of consequences of truancy include academic failure. It can also lead to legal consequences for both students and their parents.<\/p>\r\n

Compulsory School Attendance Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Every state in the United States has compulsory attendance laws<\/a>. These laws make it necessary for school-age children to attend school. Public schools notice when a child is not attending public school<\/a>. Local school district officials or the district superintendent will check on the child. They will see if the child is enrolled in a private school<\/a>, nonpublic school<\/a>, or a homeschool program<\/a>. The local public school system often addresses truancy. Parents can face penalties if their children don’t follow truancy laws in the state.<\/p>\r\n

Homeschool Law and Requirements<\/h2>\r\n

Every state has its homeschool law. This law guides how parents can legally homeschool their children. Here are common elements in most laws for a child to meet eligibility for homeschooling:<\/p>\r\n