158.030 "Common school" defined -- Attendance at public school and primary school program -- Advancement without regard to age -- Local boards to adopt policy establishing petition and evaluation process for students who do not meet age requirements

158.030 "Common school" defined -- Attendance at public school and primary

school program -- Advancement without regard to age -- Local boards to adopt

policy establishing petition and evaluation process for students who do not

meet age requirements.

(1) "Common school" means an elementary or secondary school of the state supported

in whole or in part by public taxation. No school shall be deemed a "common

school" or receive support from public taxation unless the school is taught by a

certified teacher for a minimum school term as defined by KRS 158.070 and every

child residing in the district who satisfies the age requirements of this section has

had the privilege of attending it. Provided, however, that any child who is six (6)

years of age, or who may become six (6) years of age by October 1, shall attend

public school or qualify for an exemption as provided by KRS 159.030. Any child

who is five (5) years of age, or who may become five (5) years of age by October 1,

may enter a primary school program, as defined in KRS 158.031, and may advance

through the primary program without regard to age in accordance with KRS

158.031(6).

(2) Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, any child who is six (6) years of age, or

who may become six (6) years of age by August 1, shall attend public school or

qualify for an exemption as provided by KRS 159.030. Any child who is five (5)

years of age, or who may become five (5) years of age by August 1, may enter a

primary school program, as defined in KRS 158.031, and may advance through the

primary program without regard to age in accordance with KRS 158.031(6).

(3) Each local school board shall adopt a policy to permit a parent or guardian to

petition the board to allow a student to attend public school who does not meet the

age requirements of subsection (1) or (2) of this section. The policy shall include an

evaluation process that will help determine a student's readiness for school and shall

ensure that any tuition amount charged under this policy is the same amount

charged to a student who meets the age requirements of subsection (1) or (2) of this

section. Students enrolled under this policy shall be included in a school's average

daily attendance for purposes of funding as provided in KRS 157.310 to 157.440.