Attendance Policy

How do students do well in school? They go every day! Students may miss school for illness, emergencies, or for religious reasons, but we want to see every student in school every day. Did you know that a student with 90% attendance has missed one month of school by the end of the year? Students with less than 90% attendance are more likely to have lower test scores and not graduate from high school.

Here are some basic things you should know about attendance in New York City schools:

• Schools must take attendance to show whether a student is in school or not; it’s the law.
• Schools can mark an absence as “excused” for religious reasons, illness, or some other reasons, but they are still absences and must be part of the student’s record.
• Teachers can make attendance part of a class grade, but it cannot be the only reason for a failing grade or not being promoted or graduating.
• Schools must tell families when students are absent or late. Does your school have the right information to contact you?