Attendance Information and Support
Showing up every day sets your child up for success. When students attend school regularly, they build friendships, strengthen critical thinking, practice teamwork, make good decisions, and stay on track.
DC's Attendance Policy
To be considered present, students must attend at least 60% of the school day. For a school day that is 7 hours long (8 am to 3 pm), students must be in class for at least 4 hours and 20 minutes. Being late or skipping classes may count as an absence.
After five unexcused absences, schools are required to hold a meeting to help students improve attendance.
Did You Know?
- When children and teens attend school in person regularly, they're more likely to develop their whole selves--personally, socially, academically, and emotionally.
- Children who build the habits and daily routines of attendance in Pre-K and Kindergarten are much more likely to read at grade level by the end of third grade.
- Students who have regular attendance in sixth grade have more positive social and emotional connections at school and are more likely to graduate from high school.
Parent and Adolescent Support Services (PASS)
For youth ages 10-17 who are skipping school, leaving home, violating curfew, or struggling with family conflict, PASS can help. The program offers intensive case management, functional family therapy, and community-based services to address behaviors and improve family relationships. To learn more or make a reperral, email [email protected] or call 202-698-4334.
