Student Attendance Policies

Helpful Information For Parents 2007-2008

Contact Number: 858-481-0950
(24-Hour Message Line, messages can be left in English or Spanish)

SDUHSD Tips for Parents

SDUHSD Tips for Parents (in Spanish)

Basic Information

The compulsory education law requires students between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school during the day. For that reason, attendance is taken in each class period.

  • If a student is not present in class, his or her record is marked with an A (for absence).
  • Any student with more than three unexcused absences or who leaves school without written permission from the Attendance Office or Health Services is considered truant. Such students may be referred for school discipline or to the juvenile justice system.
  • To excuse an absence, a parent or legal guardian must call the Attendance Office no later than 48 hours after an absence.
  • Legally excused absences according to the Education Code are those due to
    1. Personal illness
    2. Health Department quarantine
    3. Medical, dental, optometric or chiropractic appointments
    4. Attendance at funeral services for an immediate family member
    5. Jury duty or any other court order requiring a personal appearance such as a subpoena
    6. Exclusion for failure to present evidence of immunization
    7. Observance of a religious holiday or ceremony
    8. Attendance at a SART or SARB hearing
  • Students may not leave school grounds without the written permission of the Attendance Office. If a student must leave campus for an appointment or any other reason, his or her parent must first call the Attendance Office to obtain a written pass before the student can leave the campus.

Practical Information

  • To excuse an absence or obtain a written off-campus pass, call 858-481-0950 and leave a message explaining the reason your student was not or will not be present.
  • Students who become ill after arriving at school may only be excused by the Health Services office, not the Attendance Office.

School Board policy states the following:

  • Students shall be classified as truant if absent from school without a valid excuse three days in one school year, or tardy without a valid excuse in excess of 30 minutes on each of more than three days in one school year. Such students shall be reported to the superintendent or designee.
  • The parent/guardian of a student classified as a truant shall be notified for the following:
    1. The student is truant.
    2. The parent/guardian is obligated to compel the student to attend school.
    3. The parent/guardian who fails to meet this obligation may be guilty of an infraction of the law and subject to prosecution pursuant to Education Code 48290 et seq.
    4. The parent/guardian has the right to meet with appropriate school personnel to discuss solutions to the student's truancy.
    5. Alternative educational programs are available in the district.
    6. The student may be subject to arrest under Education Code 48264.
    7. The student may be subject to suspension, restriction or delay of his/her driving privilege pursuant to Vehicle Code 13202.7.
    8. It is recommended that the parent/guardian accompany the student to school and attend classes with the student for one day.
  • Upon his/her first truancy, a student ma be given a written warning by a peace officer. A record of this warning maybe kept at school for not less than two years or until the student graduates or transfers from the school. If the student transfers, the record may be forwarded to the new school. A record of the warning also may be maintained by the law enforcement agency. (Education Code 48264.5).