The City requires young people between ages 6 and 17 to attend school on a full-time basis. Students with less than 90% attendance are more likely to have lower test scores and not graduate from high school.
Attendance Requirement Exceptions
The following groups qualify as exceptions to the age requirements for attendance:
- Minors who have graduated from high school
- Students who have earned a general equivalency diploma (GED)
- Students 16 or 17 years of age who have been issued a full-time employment certificate
Absence Notes
Parents must submit a note explaining why a student was absent from school.
You should provide a note from a doctor or health-care professional if a student's illness is causing long or frequent absences. If a student has been absent from school for another reason, give the school documentation explaining why, such as an exam schedule or court order.
Parent Notification of Absence
The school calls the parent on the first day that a child is absent from school. The school sends a postcard on the second day.
Schools keep records of parent contact information to follow up on student absences.
Attendance Improvement and Dropout Prevention
Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention (AIDP) is a State Education Department effort to improve the attendance and academic performance of students at risk of dropping out. Parents can work with their child's school's AIDP coordinator or guidance counselor to seek help with children who are frequently absent.
School Attendance Responsibilities
Teachers must keep accurate attendance records for their students. Principals must provide attendance records to auditors on request. The Attendance Coordinator oversees the school's attendance program under the principal's supervision.
Each school has an Attendance Committee made up of teachers, administrators, pupil personnel, guidance counselors, parents, and students.
Learn more about student attendance policies.
Call 311 for assistance by phone.
