Texas School Attendance Laws Explained
In the state of Texas, school attendance is not just encouraged; it is required by law. The Texas Education Code mandates that all children between the ages of six and nineteen attend school unless they qualify for a specific exemption. Understanding the attendance requirements is crucial for parents, guardians, and students, as excessive absences can lead to serious academic and legal consequences.
Texas takes attendance so seriously that it has established a specific threshold for absences. Under Texas law, a student may not be given credit for a class or be promoted to the next grade if the student has more than 10 percent of the days the class is offered as unexcused absences. For a typical school year of 180 days, this translates to 18 total absences, though the rule is applied on a per-class basis rather than on a per-day basis in secondary schools.
The 90 Percent Attendance Rule
The cornerstone of Texas attendance policy is the 90 percent attendance rule, outlined in Section 25.092 of the Texas Education Code. This rule states that a student must attend at least 90 percent of the days a class is offered in order to receive credit for that class or to be promoted to the next grade level.
In practical terms, this means a student can miss no more than 18 days per class in a standard 180-day school year. For schools that operate on a block schedule or semester system, the number of allowable absences is calculated based on the total number of class meetings rather than the number of school days.
It is important to understand that this rule applies to each class individually. In middle and high school, where students move between different classes throughout the day, a student could technically meet the attendance requirement for some classes but not others. This can result in the student losing credit in specific courses while retaining credit in others.
Excused vs. Unexcused Absences
Texas school districts distinguish between excused and unexcused absences, although the specific criteria for excused absences can vary from district to district. Common reasons for excused absences include illness with a doctor's note, family emergencies, religious holidays, required court appearances, and approved school activities.
Unexcused absences are those that do not meet the school district's criteria for an excused absence. Examples include skipping school, family vacations that are not pre-approved, and absences without proper documentation. Accumulating too many unexcused absences can trigger truancy proceedings and other disciplinary actions.
Even excused absences count toward the 90 percent attendance threshold for credit purposes. However, a student who has exceeded the absence limit may petition an attendance review committee to receive credit if the absences are deemed to have been for legitimate reasons and the student can demonstrate mastery of the course material.
Compulsory Attendance Age in Texas
Texas law requires compulsory school attendance for children between the ages of six and nineteen. A child who is at least six years old as of September 1 of the school year must attend school. This requirement continues until the student turns nineteen or graduates from high school, whichever comes first.
There are some exceptions to the compulsory attendance law. Students who are at least seventeen years old and have passed the GED exam may be exempt. Students enrolled in approved homeschool programs are also considered to be in compliance with the compulsory attendance law, as are students with certain physical or mental conditions that prevent attendance.
Parents of children who are at least five but not yet six years old may voluntarily enroll their children in school. Once enrolled, however, the child is subject to the same attendance requirements as older students.
What Happens When a Student Has Too Many Absences
When a student accumulates excessive absences, Texas schools are required to take action. After three unexcused absences within a four-week period or ten unexcused absences within a six-month period, the school must send a warning letter to the student's parent or guardian and may refer the case to a truancy prevention program.
If the absences continue, the school may file a truancy case with the local Justice of the Peace court. Under Texas law, parents can be charged with a misdemeanor offense for contributing to nonattendance, which can result in fines of up to $500 per absence. The parent may also be required to attend a parenting class or perform community service.
For students aged twelve to eighteen, the student themselves can be referred to truancy court. The court may order the student to attend school, participate in counseling or tutoring programs, or perform community service. Repeated truancy violations can result in additional legal consequences, including fines and restrictions on the student's driver's license.
The Attendance Review Committee
If a student exceeds the allowable number of absences, they may petition the school's attendance review committee for credit recovery. The attendance review committee is composed of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel who review the student's attendance record and determine whether credit should be awarded despite the excessive absences.
The committee considers several factors when making its decision, including the reasons for the absences, whether the absences were excused, the student's academic performance, and whether the student has demonstrated mastery of the course objectives. If the committee determines that the absences were for legitimate reasons and the student has maintained satisfactory academic performance, credit may be awarded.
If the committee denies credit, the student or parent may appeal the decision to the school board. The appeal process provides an additional layer of review and ensures that students are treated fairly under the attendance policy.
How Absences Affect Grades and Graduation
Excessive absences can have a significant impact on a student's grades and graduation timeline. Students who lose credit due to attendance violations may need to retake courses, attend summer school, or participate in credit recovery programs. These additional requirements can delay graduation and limit the student's eligibility for extracurricular activities.
In elementary school, excessive absences can result in a student being retained in the same grade rather than being promoted to the next grade level. While grade retention is generally viewed as a last resort, it may be necessary if the student has missed too much instructional time to demonstrate grade-level proficiency.
For high school students, attendance is particularly important because it directly affects credit accumulation toward graduation. Texas high school students must earn a specific number of credits in core subjects and electives to qualify for a diploma. Losing credit in even one course due to attendance can throw off the entire graduation plan.
Tips for Maintaining Good Attendance
Maintaining good attendance starts with establishing a consistent daily routine. Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has everything they need for school prepared the night before. Addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to absences, such as bullying, anxiety, or chronic health conditions, is also essential.
Communicate regularly with your child's school. If your child needs to miss school for a legitimate reason, notify the school in advance and provide any required documentation. Work with teachers to make up missed assignments and stay current with the curriculum.
If your child is struggling with attendance, reach out to the school counselor or attendance officer for support. Many Texas schools offer truancy prevention programs, mentoring, and other resources designed to help students and families overcome attendance challenges. Taking a proactive approach to attendance issues can prevent small problems from becoming serious academic and legal complications.
