Image
Attendance and Truancy
Learn about the importance of school attendance and view our attendance guidelines.
On this page
Attendance is required by law: 8 facts for parents to know
Under the Texas State Compulsory Attendance Law, all students age 6-19 must attend school each day for the entire school day unless exempt by law. This includes students voluntarily enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten as well as students 19 years or older.
Unexcused voluntary absences for 10 days or more within 6 months (whether in full days or parts of days) violates state law. This may lead to a court referral against the parent, guardian or student.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE IS THE LAW (TEC §25.085): Children ages 6–19 must attend school. Missing too many days can lead to fines or court proceedings.
Why it matters: School attendance is legally required—every day your child is there helps them succeed.
EVERY DAY COUNTS (SAAH Section 3.6): Students must attend at least 90% of the school year to earn credit or be promoted.
Why it matters: Too many absences—excused or unexcused—can mean repeating a class or grade.
LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY PICKUPS ADD UP (TAC §129.21). Coming late or leaving early can count as partial-day absences.
Why it matters: Every minute matters—try to keep full school days intact.
SICK DAYS MUST BE EXCUSED (TEC §25.087) Illness, funerals, religious holidays, and medical visits (with proper documentation) can be excused.
Why it matters: Without a note within 3 days, it becomes unexcused—even if your child was sick.
DOCTOR VISITS ARE OKAY—IF YOU RETURN (TEC §25.087(b)(2)). Medical appointments don't count as absent if your child returns the same day with documentation.
Why it matters: Schedule appointments early/late in the day when possible and return to school.
WATCH FOR ATTENDANCE LETTERS (TEC §25.095). You'll receive a warning letter after 3 unexcused absences in 4 weeks.
Why it matters: These are early warnings to help you take action before legal steps.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO TALK WITH THE SCHOOL (TEC §25.0915). Schools must contact you before truancy charges and offer support first.
Why it matters: Don't wait—ask for help early. We want to support your family.
COMMUNICATE WITH THE CAMPUS (TEC §25.0915): Communicate with office staff and administrators about attendance issues.
Why it matters: Campus administrators are there to help, and building relationships with staff supports student success.
Attendance is required for class credit
Students must also attend class 90% of the days a class is offered to receive credit or a final grade (regardless of excused absences). Students must recover the lost time to receive credit:
- 75-89% attendance: The student must earn credit for the class by completing a plan approved by the principal.
- Under 75% attendance: The student must go through the Attendance Recovery Process.
Visit the School hours page for information about daily schedules.
Attendance procedures
We want all students to succeed, which includes attending every class, every day on time. Students must appear in person at their school to be counted present.
Absences
If a student is not present at the time of attendance, teachers will mark them absent. If your student must be absent, please submit a notification through Skyward. Official doctor notes for absences may be physically turned into the campus, but a digital version (PDF/photo/scan) is preferred. Consequences for multiple absences include:
Behavior plan
Student or parent conference
Loss of class credit
Referral to truancy court
Parents are encouraged to speak to a school administrator regarding special situations or circumstances.
Submitting an absence note
Parents should submit a digital absence note to the school attendance office within three days of returning to school that includes:
a written statement giving the date and reason for the absence(s)
parent/guardian name
parent's phone number for contact
Parents may do this through Skyward. Campuses accept up to six personal notes per semester from parents to excuse the student’s absence(s) for up to two days. A doctor’s note or another method may be required to excuse absences after the limit is reached.
What if circumstances make it difficult for a student to attend school?
We realize some students may require extra support to return to school. We use district and community resources to help students reconnect with school and create options for student success through collaboration. These resources could include support such as:
- Social Needs
- Counselor
- Responsive Services Counselor
- Mentor
- Third-Party Counseling Referral
- Other Academic Options
- Enroll for testing
- Limited Eligibility enrollment to finish graduation requirements
Contact your school administrator, counselor or the Student Engagement and Support Service department for assistance.
Not returning to school or withdrawal
When students leave our district and begin school somewhere else, enrollment in another educational setting must be verified and documented.
If you are leaving the district, completing the withdrawal form is important so your child isn’t considered truant.
If a student hasn’t returned to school or enrolled somewhere else, district staff will work with the family for re-enrollment options.
Contact us
For more information, contact: