Attendance Information (K–12)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my child has an early dismissal?
- What if my child is tardy?
- How do I access resources to assist with truancy & absences?
- What if I am unable to obtain a note from a medical provider after I have already written 10 parent notes?
- The school pre-approved my educational trip. Does that count toward my 10 parent notes for the year?
- How many unexcused absences can a student have per year before the school is required to file with the local magistrate?
- Will the school assist me in developing an Attendance Plan for my child?
What if my child has an early dismissal?
What if my child is tardy?
How do I access resources to assist with truancy & absences?
What if I am unable to obtain a note from a medical provider after I have already written 10 parent notes?
The school pre-approved my educational trip. Does that count toward my 10 parent notes for the year?
How many unexcused absences can a student have per year before the school is required to file with the local magistrate?
Will the school assist me in developing an Attendance Plan for my child?
How Absences Are Processed
Step 1: Student Misses School
Parent or guardian may notify the school reporting the absence and reason.
Step 2: Parent Submits Documentation
Provide a written note or documentation within three (3) chool days following their return. Medical notes required after the 10th parent-verified absence. Parents can write ten (10) parent exucses per year.
Step 3: Absence is Documented
Absence is recorded as Excused or Unexcused. Educational trips and religious observances count toward the ten (10) cumulative parent-verified excused absences.
Understanding PA Attendance Law
Pennsylvania law defines lawful/ excused absences and sets clear expectations for families and schools. North Allegheny follows Pennsylvania law to support students with attendance challenges:
After three (3) unexcused absences, a student is considered truant and Guardian Letter/ Notification Issued. An Attendance Improvement Conference will be scheduled to generate an Attendance Improvement Plan. Parents are encouraged to participate.
After six (6) unexcused absences and following the Attendance Improvement Conference, the school will issue a letter to families and may file with the local magistrate. District Supports & Resources Activated.
Excused Absences
- School-sponsored Activity
- Pre-Approved Educational Trip
- Medical/Dental Appointment
- Religious Observance
- Court Appearance
- College Visit (Secondary)
- Family Emergency
- Death in the Family
All other absences may be classified as unexcused. Parents must submit written documentation within three (3) school days of the student's return to school.
Parent Responsibilities Following a Student Absence
Notify the School
Contact the attendance/main office on the day of your child's absence before the start of the school day.
Submit Documentation
Provide a written note or medical documentation within three (3) school days of your child's return to be considered for a lawful absence.
Plan Ahead for Trips
Educational trips must be pre-approved by the building principal. Submit the Educational Trip Request Form at least five (5) days in advance.
Any time an absence is medically or court excused, submit that note in lieu of a parent note.
Key Reminders for Families
• Educational trips approved by the district count toward the ten (10) cumulative, parent-verified excused absences allowed per school year.
• Beginning with the 11th absence, illness absences require documentation from a licensed healthcare provider to be considered as an excused/ lawful absence.
• Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year.
• Under Act 47 of 2025, amendments to the Pennsylvania Public School Code place new restrictions on students who are habitually truant from transferring to a cyber charter school during the school year. Students with six (6) unexcused absences cannot enroll in a cyber charter school mid-year without court approval.
Contact & Resources
