Truancy

Please note that effective with the 2020-2021, the mandatory school age in PA is through age 18 or the student’s graduation from high school. 

Truancy occurs when attendance notes are not turned in within (3) days of absence with a lawful excuse.

Any absence where an excuse blank is not turned in within (3) school days will be modified to unexcused (UX) and will be subject to truancy laws.

After five (5) unexcused absences, the parent/student will receive the first warning letter in the mail. 

After ten (10) unexcused absences, the parent/student will receive the second warning letter in the mail.

After fourteen (14) unexcused absences, a final warning letter will be sent with a scheduled Student Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC) that the student, and parent or guardian are required to attend. The goal of the Student Attendance Improvement Conference is to collaborate with students and families regarding lawful student attendance.

After the Student Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC) is held, any additional unexcused absences will result in a citation being filed and a court date set. The parent or guardian, and student will be notified via a letter sent home. 

Students aged under 15 cannot be fined in truancy court, but students aged 15 to 17 can be fined in addition to their parent/guardian. Students aged 18 and over are no longer subject to truancy laws under Pennsylvania statutes. 

Please refer to the Pennsylvania State website for more information on the laws regarding truancy.

https://www.education.pa.gov/Policy-Funding/BECS/Purdons/Pages/CompulsorySchoolAttendance.aspx