Students in grades one through twelve are required to participate in physical education courses unless they are excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Students may be excused from physical education courses if the student presents a written statement from a doctor stating that such activities could be injurious to the health of the student or the student has been exempted because of a conflict with the student’s religious beliefs. Parents/guardians of students requesting such exemption should file a written request that shall include the basis for the request (e.g. verified health concerns and/or a religious conflict) and a proposed alternative activity or study acceptable to the superintendent. The superintendent will have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.
Students in grades 9-12 may also be excused from physical education courses if:
- the student is enrolled in a work-based learning program or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student to leave the school premises for specified periods of time during the school day, or
- the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available, or
- the student is enrolled in a school sponsored activity which requires at least as much physical activity per week as one-eighth unit of physical education, or
- the student is participating in the Legislative Page Program at the state capitol for a regular session of the general assembly; or
- the student is enrolled in a junior reserve officer training corps.
Students who will not participate in physical education must have a written request or statement from their parents/guardians. In accordance with the Healthy Kids Act, this statement must be accompanied by a physical activity contract outlining how the child will engage in at least 120 minutes per week of physical activity during the school year.
Approved June 24, 2013
Reviewed August 16, 2023
Revised August 16, 2023
