Daily Attendance Matters

All San Diego Unified Schools are making a special effort to reduce absences. Regular attendance and prompt arrival are essential for the success of each and every student! It is important that parents, students and the school work together to support regular daily attendance. Students are expected to remain on the school grounds during school hours.

Exceptions must be requested by parents in writing or in person and students must be signed out by an authorized adult. Medical and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours, when possible.

Student Attendance Laws

All children between 6 and 18 years of age are required by California’s Education Code to attend school, and their parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child’s attendance. The law also states that a student’s refusal to attend school regularly can result in referral to the community-based School Attendance Review Board (SARB) Juvenile Probation, or the Juvenile Court System. Additionally, parents who fail to compel their child’s attendance may face criminal prosecution and penalties.

Absences and Tardiness

The following are considered excused absences: illness or quarantine, funeral of an immediate family member and medical or dental appointment. Absences should be called in the morning of or the day before the child is going to be absent. Please call in even if your child is going to arrive late.

All other absences are unexcused. Absences, by law, must be excused in writing or by phone. Absences may be reported at any time by calling the main office at (619) 615 – 7000 and leaving a message.
 not limited to, those due to oversleeping, transportation issues, going on vacation, or similar situations.

For guidance on when to keep your child home from school due to illness, see the Student Health page.

Absence Make-Up Policy