Children between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) years, both inclusive, must attend a public or 
non-public school. Under certain circumstances the Board may temporarily excuse students from 
complying with the provisions of the compulsory attendance law. Pregnancy shall not constitute a reason  to be exempted from compulsory school attendance.

Any child residing within the state, six (6) years of age on or before August 15 of the current school year, 
who makes application for admission shall be enrolled in the school designated by the Board.

A child entering kindergarten shall be no less than five (5) years of age on or before August 15 of the 
current school term. No child shall be eligible to enter first grade without having attended an approved 
kindergarten program.

Any transfer student applying for admission who was legally enrolled in an approved kindergarten in 
another state and who will be five (5) years of age no later than December 31 of the current school year, 
shall be enrolled.

A child entering a special education program shall be no less than three (3) years of age.

The compulsory attendance law shall not apply to the following:

1.  Children mentally or physically incapacitated to perform school duties, with the disability attested  by a duly licensed physician in all cases; 
2. Children who have completed high school and hold a high school diploma or other certificate of 
   graduation; 
3. Children enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a course of instruction leading to a high 
   school equivalency diploma; 
4. Children temporarily excused from attendance in school under rules and regulations promulgated  by the State Board of Education, which rules and regulations shall not be in conflict with TCA §  49-6-3001 or any other law governing child labor in this state; 
5. Children participating in a program of hospital or homebound instruction administered or 
   approved by the LEA; 
6. Children six (6) years of age or under whose parent or legal guardian have filed a notice of intent 
   to conduct a home school as provided by TCA § 49-6-3001 or who are conducting a home school 
   as provided by TCA § 49-6-3050; 
7. Children enrolled in a home school who have reached seventeen (17) years of age; and
8. Children who have attained their seventeenth (17th) birthday and whose continued compulsory 
   attendance, in the opinion of the Board of Education in charge of the school to which the children 
   belong and are enrolled, results in detriment to good order and discipline and to the instruction of 
   other students and is not substantial benefit to the children.

Legal References:

1.  T.C.A. § 49-6-3001. 
   2. T.C.A. § 49-6-3005. 
   3. T.C.A. § 49-6-3001; TCA/MS § 0520-1-3-.01 (B)(10)(a). 
    

Approved as to Legal Form 
By Knox County Law Director 10/6/2023 
/Gary T. Dupler/ Deputy Law Director