State Education Codes for PE
Elementary Mandated Minutes
200 minutes every 10 school days
Ed Code 51210 states: “g) Physical education, with emphasis upon the physical activities for the pupils that may be conducive to health and vigor of body and mind, for a total period of time of not less than 200 minutes each 10 schooldays, exclusive of recesses and the lunch period.
Ed Code 51210.1 states: “(2) It is, therefore, the intent of the
Legislature that all children shall have access to a
high-quality, comprehensive, and
developmentally appropriate physical education program on a
regular
basis.”
Ed Code 51210.2 states: “(a) The Legislature hereby finds and
declares that the physical fitness and motor development of
children in the public
elementary schools is of equal importance to that of other
elements
of the curriculum.”
Middle School Mandated Minutes
400 minutes every 10 school days
In the Education Code it clearly states there are NO WAIVERS for Middle School students.
Ed Code 51222. Grades 7-12 Instructional Minutes states:
(a) All pupils, except pupils excused or exempted pursuant to Section 51241, shall be required to attend upon the courses of physical education for a total period of time of not less than 400 minutes each 10 schooldays. Any pupil may be excused from physical education classes during one of grades 10, 11, or 12 for not to exceed 24 clock hours in order to participate in automobile driver training. Such pupil who is excused from physical education classes to enroll in driver training shall attend upon a minimum of 7,000 minutes of physical education instruction during such school year.
(b) The governing board of each school district that maintains a high school and that elects to exempt pupils from required attendance in physical education courses pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) or both of subdivision (b) of Section 51241 shall offer those pupils so exempted a variety of elective physical education courses of not less than 400 minutes each 10 schooldays.
High School Mandated Minutes
400 minutes every 10 school days
Ed Code 51220 Grades 7-12: The adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall offer courses in the following areas of study: Physical Education being one of them with emphasis given to physical activities that are conducive to health and to vigor of body and mind, as required by Section 51222.
Ed Code 51222 Grades 7-12 Instructional Minutes – 400 minutes every 10 school days.
Ed Code 51225.3 High School Graduation Requirements: (F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code.
Ed Code 51241 Exemptions for High School Students.