Attendance Matters

Religious Expression Days

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 3320.04, which became effective on October 24, 2024, students are given up to three religious expression days per school year provided that the parent or guardian provides written notice to the school or district of the selected days within 14 school days of the start of school (or within 14 days of a newly enrolled student’s first day in the school or district).

• Students who are absent on approved religious expression days will not face any academic penalties. They will be provided with academic accommodations with regard to examinations and other academic requirements that are missed.

• The policy allows students to participate in interscholastic athletics or other extracurricular activities on a religious expression day.

• These three religious expression days do not count toward parental notification requirements under ORC 3321.191 (C)(1) for excessive absences.  

No inclusion or exclusion of a religious holiday or festival on the list provided by the State Superintendent shall preclude a student from full and reasonable accommodations for any sincerely held religious beliefs and practices for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system. For questions regarding this policy, please contact your child's building Principal.

Non-exhaustive List of Major Religious Holidays (Dept. of Education and Workforce) - This list is non-exhaustive and may not be used to deny accommodations to a student for a holiday, festival, or observation that is not included in the list.

Board Policy 5200 - Attendance

Religious Expression Day Notification Form

For individual buildings attendance details, visit their school web pages at ohsld.us