As a parent, you are tasked with making sure your child attends school regularly. Regular attendance is crucial for your child's educational journey. Many educational concepts are introduced in the classroom environment where daily attendance exposes your child to diverse learning experiences. Connecticut law requires that parents "bring them up in some lawful and honest employment and instruct them or cause them to be instructed in reading, writing, spelling, English grammar, geography, arithmetic and United States history and in citizenship, including the study of the town, state and federal governments."
In Connecticut, children aged 5 to 18 must attend public school during regular school hours within the district they reside. Comparatively, New York law requires children between the ages of 6 and 16 to attend school, with certain exceptions permissible. In both states, high school graduates or those receiving equivalent instruction (e.g., homeschooling, private schooling) may be exempt from mandatory attendance. Specific private school attendance requirements are elaborated below.
Attendance Requirements for Students Aged 17+
Unlike New York, which has no attendance requirement for 17-year-olds, Connecticut generally requires school attendance until age 18. However, parental consent allows a student 17 years or older to withdraw from school. As a parent, you must appear at the school district's office to sign a withdrawal form. A guidance counselor or school administrator must also sign, confirming that you received information about educational options available to your child.
Should your child, who voluntarily withdrew with your consent, seek readmission, the school district's board of education may deny re-enrollment for up to 90 days unless the child seeks readmission within ten days, in which case readmission must occur within three days.
Minimum Age of Enrollment
Connecticut parents have the option to delay enrollment until age seven, provided they sign an "Option to Exempt" form annually. The school district will provide information on educational opportunities starting at age five. This option must be renewed each year for children under seven not enrolled in public school.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to ensure your child attends public school (without alternative instruction) can lead to legal consequences. In Connecticut, non-compliance may result in fines up to $25 per day, except in cases of inadequate clothing due to financial hardship. In New York, first-time non-compliance can result in a $10 fine or ten days in jail, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.
Non-compliance with attendance laws can also lead to investigations by child protective services for educational neglect. If significant absences are verified, and you have failed to ensure school attendance, legal actions may be initiated leading to potential neglect charges.
Private School Requirements
Mandatory attendance laws apply to children attending private schools in both Connecticut and New York. Private school attendance must be reported to the Commissioner of Education. Inconsistent attendance reports could result in legal actions by the school district superintendent where you reside.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding school attendance requirements in Connecticut, or wish to consult an attorney regarding a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or Jmaya@mayalaw.com to arrange a free initial consultation.
