As the 2024-25 school year begins, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) wants to share some reminders to assist schools when registering students for the new school year.
Compulsory School Ages (6-17)
The Compulsory School Attendance Law § 37-13-91 requires students to be enrolled in school who have attained the age of 6 before September 1 of the calendar year and who have not attained the age of 17 on or before September 1 of the current calendar year.
Eligible School Ages (up to 21)
The state of Mississippi follows MS 1-3-27, which establishes the age of majority as 21. Therefore, students are eligible to attend school until age 21. Please review policies and procedures to ensure that each student who wishes to enroll or remain enrolled is supported in receiving an education until age 21.
English Learners (ages 3-21)
Please also keep in mind that English learner students may be enrolled up to age 21. The federal definition of an English learner (EL) includes the age ranges of 3-21 (MDE EL Guidelines page 8). EL students who are within these age ranges have the right to a public education. Please ensure that all staff members (administrators, counselors, teachers, secretaries, etc.) are aware of this so that all students within this age range who wish to enroll, are allowed to do so.
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 (EEOA), public schools must ensure that EL students can participate meaningfully and equally in educational programs.
Resources
The Office of Federal Programs will host an Equity Conference in the fall, and several MDE offices will be presenting information on EL students, compulsory age, homeless students, and foster care students at this conference. We encourage you to send members of your team to attend and bring information back to your district.
For additional information or assistance in addressing this issue, please contact Dr. Armerita Tell, Executive Director of the Office of Compulsory School Attendance and Dropout Prevention, at atell@mdek12.org, or Ms. Sandra Elliott, English Learner Intervention Support Specialist, at selliott@mdek12.org.