Chronic Absenteeism
A student is considered chronically absent if they miss at least 10% of the minimum number of hours required in the school year. This includes all absences—both excused and unexcused.
Missing just 2–3 days per month may place a student at risk of being chronically absent by the end of the school year.
Habitual Truancy
A student is considered habitually truant if they are absent from school without a legitimate excuse for:
30 or more consecutive hours (about 5 school days),
42 or more hours in one month (about 7 school days), or
72 or more hours in one school year (about 12 school days).
When a student is habitually truant, the school must notify families in writing of the legal consequences. If progress is not made in improving attendance, the school or district is required to file a complaint with juvenile court.
Excused vs. Unexcused Absences
While these absences for medical appointments, family emergencies or funerals are considered excused by District policy, it’s important for families to be aware that all absences, including those considered excused, are counted toward chronic absenteeism under state guidelines. We encourage families to take this into consideration when scheduling appointments and vacations.