Attendance & Absence Reporting

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Daily Attendance

  • Students must attend school every day.
  • School starts at 7:40 AM.
    • Not in the classroom by 7:40 AM = Tardy
    • Arrival after 9:45 AM = Absent
  • All absences, tardies, and early pickups are documented.
  • Excessive occurrences will lead to warning notices and follow-up from staff.
  • Consistent attendance supports academic success, structure, and full curriculum access.

Every Day Counts!

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Absences and tardiness impact the entire classroom. Ensuring you child is at school on time and every day is the law.

The 90% Rule

To receive course credit and be promoted, students must:

  • Meet course requirements
  • Attend at least 90% of school days
    • Excused and unexcused absences count toward this total

Falling below 90% may result in loss of credit or grade retention. 

Reporting an Absence

Submit documentation through one of the following:

Phone calls and voicemails are NOT accepted as documentation.

Fax medical documentation to: (512) 414-0940

Please allow up to 72 hours (3 business days) for updates to appear in attendance records.

Set up alerts for your student's attendance and grades via Parent Self Serve.

Excused Absences Include:

  • Illness:
    • Up to 5 days with a doctor's note
    • Up to 3 consecutive days with a parent note
  • Religious observances under TEC 25.087
  • Medical appointments (must return with a note from the provider)
  • Other excused reasons:
    • Family emergencies
    • Funerals

Unexcused Absences Include:

  • Vacations or travel
  • Parent/guardian illness notes after 8 absences (must have a doctor's note after that)
  • Attendance at non-school-sponsored events
  • Late arrivals or early pickups without a doctor's note
  • Any absence without proper documentation
  • Car trouble, traffic, oversleeping - not considered valid excuses

Tardiness & Early Dismissal

Tardy Policy:

  • Students are tardy if not with their teacher at 7:40 AM
  • Late arrivals must stop in the office to receive a tardy slip
  • Arrival after 9:45 AM = Absent for the day

Early Dismissal Policy:

  • No early pickups after 2:45 PM
  • Upon arrival, please:
    • Bring photo ID
    • Go to the front office
    • Sign out your student
  • Students will only be called to the office once the authorized person is physically present
  • Leaving any part of the day = Unexcused Tardy
    • Exception: Bring a doctor's note to excuse the absence/tardy

Texas Compulsory Attendance Law

If a student has 10+ unexcused full or partial-day absences within 6 months:

  • Parents may be prosecuted
    • Fines start at $100 per offense
  • Students may be referred to truancy court

For More Information:

Visit the AISD Attendance Page

Questions: Call (512) 414-2098 or email Kerry Hull at kerry.hull2@austinisd.org