603.06 PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students in grades one through twelve are required to participate in physical education courses.  Students who are physically able will be assessed using the presidential physical fitness test.  Otherwise, students may be excused from physical education courses 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.

Students in grades 9-12 may also be excused from physical education courses if:

• the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available, or
• the student has obtained a physical education waiver for a semester because the student is actively involved in an athletic program.
• the student is participating in the Legislative Page Program at the state capitol for a regular session of the general asembly; or
• the student is enrolled in a junior reserve officer training corps

Twelfth grade students may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in a cooperative, work study or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student's absence from school.

Students who will not participate in physical education must have a written request or statement from their parents.

NOTE:  The assessment requirements in this policy are not effective until the federal government issues final guidance for administration of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test.  The Iowa Department of Education will notify the Iowa Code Editor once that federal guidance has been issued.

Legal Reference:           

     Iowa Code § 256.11.

     281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Approved 11/9/2010                                  Reviewed: 8/10/2026                                        Revised:  08/10/2026