All persons of ages between five (5) and up to the eighteenth birthday, who reside in the Shelby County Schools district may attend the public schools, unless they have been expelled for disciplinary reasons. Thereby all students who live in the Shelby County Schools district with their parents or legal guardians shall be admitted to the public schools without payment of tuition. Proof of legal residence or guardianship is required, if requested by the school administration.
Under law, all students entering school for the first time shall have a complete medical examination.1
As prescribed by law, no child entering school for the first time shall be permitted to enroll until proof of immunization is given to the principal. Parents or legal guardians shall be responsible to have their children immunized against designated diseases as authorized by the Commissioner of Health.2
Proof of immunization shall be established by a certificate of immunization. All certificates of immunization shall be on forms furnished by the Department of Health & Environment.3
In the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof. Immunization shall not be required of any child whose parent or guardian shall object thereto in writing on grounds that such immunization and other preventive measures conflict with the religious tenets and practices of a well recognized religious denomination whose teachings include reliance on prayer or spiritual means alone for healing of which he is an adherent or member.4
Specified immunizations shall not be required if a qualified physician shall certify that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the child involved.5