Attendance
School attendance in the state of Texas is not a choice, it is the law. Students are required to attend school each day that instruction is provided from age six to nineteen.
Districts are required to ensure that enrolled students are in class at least 90% of the time.
Attending school regularly is also important because students learn important academic and social skills that they carry into adulthood.
Remember to check the attendance policy at the school for specific procedures and requirements regarding absences and tardies. Below are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful in understanding attendance in Texas public schools.
Attendance Guidelines for Texas Public Schools
Absence
Tardy
Attendance Frequently Asked Questions
Students are required to attend school when they are six years old on September 1 of that school year. They can start sooner if they are enrolled in a prekindergarten (pre-k) program. Pre-k and kindergarten are not required but may help students with skills they will need throughout their school career. Once a child is enrolled, they are required to attend school until they graduate or until they turn 19.
If your child has to be absent from school, it may be considered an excused or unexcused absence. Some examples of excused absences are illness, a death in the family, doctor visits, religious holidays, or school-related events. Even if your child is missing school for one of these reasons, you must still call the school office to report your child’s absence and provide any required documentation, like a doctor’s note. If you do not report your child’s absence to the school office, it may be marked as unexcused. Multiple unexcused absences can result in truancy and parents may be required to make a court appearance. Find out what your school’s policies are by contacting the school’s attendance clerk.
Each school or district has their own requirements, but notes from a doctor are usually the best way to show proof of illness or doctor visit. Some schools do require a note if your child misses 2–3 days of school in a row. Call the school office to learn about their policy.
Students who are late to school will be marked tardy. Multiple tardies can result in an absence. If the student is late to school because of illness or a medical appointment, the student may need to bring a note from the doctor in order for it to be an excused tardy.
Similarly, if a student is picked up from school early for an appointment, it could result in a partial absence depending on the time of day and the school or district’s policies. Call the school office to let them know if your child will be late or will be leaving early. For more information, contact the attendance clerk at your child’s school.