IN SB0124

Lowers the compulsory school attendance age from seven (7) years old to five (5) years old, effective July 1, 2026

Requires students to begin attending school at the start of the fall term if they turn five years old on or before August 1 of that school year

Allows parents to delay enrollment until age five if they certify to the school superintendent that they intend to enroll the student in a nonaccredited private school or provide equivalent home instruction

Changes the age eligibility cutoff date for choice scholarship students and Education Scholarship Account (ESA) eligible students from October 1 to August 1 of the applicable school year

Compulsory attendance continues until the student graduates, turns 18, or meets exit interview requirements to withdraw at age 16-17