Texas Compulsory Attendance Law
Under Texas Education Code Law, students ages 6–19 must attend school every day that instruction is offered unless they qualify for a legal exemption. Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends school.
When Absences Become Truancy
Truancy is based on unexcused absences.
A student is considered truant if they have:
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3 unexcused absences within a 4-week period, or
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10 unexcused absences within a 6-month period
What the School Must Do?
By law, schools must:
- Notify parents about absences
- Attempt to hold attendance conferences with measures of support.
Court Filing for Non-Attendance
If absences continue after interventions:
- The school is required by law to file a truancy case in court
- Both the student and parent/guardian are required to appear in court
Courts may order:
- Mandatory school attendance
- Counseling or services
- Fines or other court-directed actions
Our Goal
Our goal is not court involvement it is student success. We want every student in class, learning, and on track for graduation. If your child is struggling with attendance, please contact the school counselor our Assistant Principal so we can help early.
Attendance today builds success tomorrow.