Attendance Expectations

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 âś…All ACPS students are expected to attend school each day on time prepared for instruction. Students are expected to do the following: 

  • All ACPS students are to remain on campus for the entire school day after arrival unless they have prior approval from a parent/guardian.
    • Elementary School Hours: 8:00am - 2:35pm
    • K-8 Schools
      • Jefferson Houston 7:50 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.
      • Patrick Henry 8:00 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.
    • Middle School Hours: 8:30am - 3:15pm
    • High School Hours: 8:30am - 3:15pm
  • All ACPS students traveling between school campuses should report directly to the campus they are transitioning to and attend all assigned classes after arrival to that campus.
  • All ACPS students are not permitted to leave their school campus at any time during the school day unless they have permission from a parent/guardian. The student must be signed out by the parent/guardian or an authorized adult.

🏫 Legal Requirement:

  • Regular school attendance is mandatory by law (Virginia Code § 22.1-254).
  • Schools must take action when a student accumulates 5+ unexcused absences.
  • After 15 consecutive unverified absences, the student will be withdrawn from enrollment.

📆 Excused Absences (Examples):

Absences may be excused with guardian verification and/or professional documentation:

  • Physical or mental illness
  • Medical or dental appointments
  • Religious holidays
  • Court appearances
  • School-sponsored activities
  • Suspensions (ISS, AIS, OSS)
  • Family emergencies (e.g., death, dislocation, injury)
  • Transportation issues caused by ACPS

đź“Ś Note: A doctor’s note may be required after 3 consecutive or 10 total absences in a school year.

⚠️ Unexcused Absences and Consequences:

Unverified or unexcused absences can lead to:

  • Mandatory attendance meetings with school staff and parent/guardians
  • Referral to the Alexandria Court Services Unit
  • Legal action under Virginia Code § 22.1-262
  • CHINS petition (Child in Need of Supervision)
  • Juvenile probation supervision
  • Loss of student driver’s license

⏰ Tardiness:

  • Tardy is arriving after the school’s start time.
  • Tardies can be excused for the same reasons as full-day absences.
  • Excessive tardiness = Development of an attendance improvement plan with school staff and guardians.

📉 Why Attendance Matters:

  • Missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason is considered chronic absenteeism.
  • Chronic absenteeism is linked to:
    • Lower academic achievement
    • Feelings of isolation
    • Higher risk of dropping out
  • Regular School Attendance Supports:
    • Academic growth
    • Social/emotional development
    • A strong sense of belonging in school

đź‘Ş What Parents/Guardians Should Do:

  • Ensure your child attends school every day, on time.
  • Notify the school verbally or in writing each time your child is absent or late.
  • Partner with school staff to address and resolve attendance issues early.