Is it Illegal to Keep Your Child Home From School in Idaho?

Kids need to get an education. It helps them grow their minds, and learn things they will need to be a part of society, and it is good for them to learn new things. Some differ on what their child's education should look like. Some believe homeschooling is better because they can teach them at their pace or avoid social aspects their child might not be prepared for, while others believe in public schools, allowing teachers to teach them, their child to interact with other children, and to learn a variety of subjects. No matter what you believe in, your child needs to go to school, but what does Idaho law say about them missing classes and not getting an education?

Is It Illegal to Keep Your Kid Home From School in Idaho?

From time to time kids will get sick, families will go on vacation, or perhaps a child is having an emotional time and needs a day or two out of class. Throughout the school year absences can pile up and it isn't uncommon for the school to notify a parent that their kid has missed class more than they should. Is it possible though to break the law if a child misses too much school? The answer is yes. It is illegal in the state of Idaho to have your child miss too much school, and officers will be notified if your kid is absent too much. If this occurs, what happens to the parent of the child missing school?

Punishment For Kids Missing School in Idaho 

According to Idaho law, a child must attend school of some sort between the ages of 7 years old to 16 years old, and failure to do so will result in punishment from law enforcement. If a child is absent from school too many days without a doctor's note or some viable excuse, then law enforcement will likely be notified and take matters into their own hands instead of leaving it to the school. If a child is pulled from public or private school to be homeschooled, the state needs to be notified. If not, then the first offense will end up being a $100 fine and a court case will likely follow as well. Continuing to keep a child out of education will result in more severe punishments. For more on Idaho law when it comes to children attending school, make sure to click the link above. 

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It doesn't happen often, but when a child is gone from school too long, then the above may occur and parents are breaking the law in the Gem State. Continue to make sure your child is present at school, and make sure to notify the school of any absences if taking a trip or if out sick. Don't get caught paying a fine that is easily avoidable, and hurts your child developing their education.