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: 8:35am - 3:25pm
- 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. Students must travel by school shuttle.
- All ACPS students must remain on their designated school campus for the entire school day unless permitted to leave with prior written authorization or being officially signed out by a parent, guardian, or 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- After 15 consecutive unverified absences, the student will be withdrawn from enrollment.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
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
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.