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All pupils residing in the District, whether they are home educated, or are attending public charter school or nonpublic schools, shall have access to curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs offered by the District in accordance with RSA 193:1-c and these administrative regulations. Such access shall be afforded to resident nonpublic, charter, or home educated students in accordance with RSA 193:12 and Students 105. 

The District will comply with the provisions of RSA 193:1-c allowing pupils who attend nonpublic schools, charter schools or are home educated equal access to the District's curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs. The District recognizes that any School Board policies regulating participation in curricular courses and co/extra-curricular programs, cannot be more restrictive for non-public, public charter school, or home educated pupils than the policy governing the District's resident pupils.

A.    Participation in Curricular Courses. 

Requests by home educated, public charter school, or nonpublic school pupils for participation in curricular courses shall be made in writing by the parent/guardian to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s  designee.  The following criteria and conditions are established:

1. Pupil’s must adhere to the enrollment deadlines and criteria established for Manchester School District’s students.

2. The curricular course is developmentally and academically appropriate for the pupil

3. All course prerequisite requirements are met. 

4. Transportation to and from school generally shall not be provided. The Principal may make an exception to this condition based on his/her review of all pertinent circumstances. 

5. The Principal’s decision shall be final. 

6. Pupils participating in curricular courses are expected to maintain punctual attendance and complete all required coursework, homework, exams, etc., as established by the teacher or instructor. 

7. The parent/ guardian may be required to provide proof of prior coursework to establish academic appropriateness and/or to establish that all academic prerequisites have been met. 

8. If the pupil is taking the course for credit or grade, such credit or grade will be granted only after the completion of the class. 

9. Requests for participation that are received after class schedules have been made will be granted only if there is space available, and any requests for summer programming must be made prior to the end of the current school year, in accordance with the policy for district-enrolled students. 

10. Special education and related services including, but not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, psychological and/or guidance services will be provided to the extent required by law. If a dispute arises between the parent/guardian and the District as to the pupil's right to these services, the building Principal shall inform the Chief Student Services and Wellness Officer, who shall consult the District’s attorney for a legal opinion.  

B.     Participation in Co/Extra-Curricular Activities.

Requests by home educated, public charter school, or nonpublic school pupils for participation in co/extra-curricular activities shall be made in writing by the parent/guardian to the building Principal.   Co/extra-curricular activities include, but are not necessarily limited to field trips, excursions, athletics (including intramurals), band, chorus, clubs, organizations, school dances, and others.  

The following criteria and conditions are hereby established:

1. Pupil’s must adhere to the enrollment deadlines and criteria established for District-enrolled students. 

2. The parent/ guardian must provide prior written permission for participation. 

3. The participating pupil agrees to abide by all Board policies relative to student code of conduct and eligibility. 

4. Participation in the activity is developmentally appropriate for the pupil. 

5. The building Principal may ask the parent/ guardian to chaperone an event in accordance with the district’s policy on volunteers in the schools. 

6. Coaches, teachers and group/club supervisors may establish their own rules relative to participation, attendance, and expectations, provided such rules are not contrary to this Appendix or its corresponding policy. Participating home educated and nonpublic school pupils are expected to abide by those rules as well. All students must meet the requirements of Students 116.1: Expectations for Students in Athletics with Academic Expectations Procedures. 

7. Home educated, public charter school, or nonpublic school pupils may be required to provide proof of a recent physical examination from their physician for participation in athletic activities, consistent with other Board policies relative to athletic participation and in accordance with the participation requirements for District-enrolled students. 

8. All participating students must review and abide by the District’s Code of Conduct for students. Failure to abide by the Code of conduct can result in disciplinary action to the same degree as may be imposed on District-enrolled students. 

C.    Use of School Texts and Library Materials.

Home educated, public chartered school, and nonpublic school pupils will be permitted to use the school library, borrow school texts and borrow library materials under the same conditions and rules as pupils enrolled in the District.

Policy References

Instruction 114: Home School

Students 116.1: Expectations for Students in Athletics

Students 105: Admission of Resident Students 

Legal References

RSA 193:1-c

RSA 193:12 (legal residence required) 

History 

First Reading at Policy Committee: 3/16/22 and 4/20/22 

Second Reading and BOSC Adoption: 5/9/22