The History of our Public Schools
Wyandotte County, Kansas

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Kansas Education Progress 1858-1967, Adel F. Throckmorton, June 1967
Prepared for W. C. Kamphchroeder, State Superintendent of Instruction
Published by the State Department of Public Instruction, Topeka, Kansas, June 1967
p. 110

"HOMELAND SCHOOLS", Cabins to Complexes
Compiled by Republic County Retired Teachers Association
Copyright 1976
(Copy available at the Republic County Historical Society and Museum; Belleville, KS)

p. 25 - The first compulsory attendance law was passed by the Kansas Legislature in 1874.  It provided that children who were physically and mentally able to do so, from the ages of 8 to 14 inclusive, must attend school for a minimum of 12 weeks a year, "six weeks of which must be consecutive."

In 1903 the age requirement was changed to 8 to 15 years and in 1923, 7 to 16 years with the alternative requirement of completion of the 8th grade being continued.

In 1965 the 7-16 age requirement was continued but the 8th grade completion was dropped, so that those who graduated before 16 years of age must continue their education.

So far as present-day requirement of length of attendance during the year is concerned, the law saws, "for such period as the public school of the district in which the child resides is in session."  This is commonly 180 days.

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Contact the History Webmaster - Patricia Adams

History Site created on December 02, 2002
Page last updated: 18-Jun-2009