A new study shows some Virginia children may be missing out on education because of religious exemption from mandatory school attendance.

In Virginia, parents are required to provide any education to children who are granted religious exemptions. More than 7,000 children received religious exemptions during the 2010-2011 school year.

The exemptions are granted by local school districts. Frederick County has several students that are exempt.

Mitch Peeling, Director of Student Support Services for Frederick County Public Schools, explained, "We currently have 10 families that have made requests up to this point in comparison to last year when we had 17."

The study, conducted by UVA, says the statute could be unconstitutional because children have a right to an education under the Virginia constitution. A Virginia Department of Education spokesman says the department presumes that these students are getting some kind of home instruction, but there is no follow-up reporting.

© Copyright 2013 TV3 Winchester / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.