Important Attendance Information

The latest to pick up your child for early dismissal is 3 p.m.

If a student is arriving after 9:30 a.m., the child must be brought in by a parent or guardian. 

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

ATTENDANCE

In support of student success, the Atlanta Board of Education expects students to be present at school and

to arrive and depart on time in accordance with the provisions of the Georgia compulsory attendance law.

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §20-02-0690.1, parents, guardians, or other persons having control or charge of

students are liable for the student's attendance in school.

In view of the negative effects of excessive tardiness and absenteeism on student performance, the Board

expects local schools to initiate programs to assist students in improving their attendance and punctuality.

See Policy JB.

Chronic absenteeism, truancy, and habitual tardies create a barrier to students’ ability to reach their full

academic potential. Students who are absent or tardy miss valuable instructional time and are less likely

to master those skills, concepts, and principles needed for success. Make-up work can never replace the

learning process that takes place in the classroom. Regular school attendance also establishes a pattern of

positive habits that can be carried over throughout life.

Please note that absences are coded as excused in accordance with the Official Code of Georgia and Georgia

State Board of Education guidelines.

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW

In accordance with the Official Code of Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1, mandatory attendance in a public

school, private school, or home school program shall be required for children between their sixth and

sixteenth birthdays. Any parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state who has control or charge

of a child or children and who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon

conviction thereof shall be subject to:

 Fine – not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00

 Imprisonment – not to exceed 30 days

 Community Service – or any combination of such penalties at the discretion of the court having

jurisdiction

All children enrolled in public school for 20 school days or more are subject to compulsory school

attendance, even if they are under 6 years of age (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-150).

Please see the chart below for a quick view of Atlanta Public Schools attendance protocol:

By September 1 of each school year Parent/guardian signs Acknowledgement Signature Page

indicating receipt of notification of

penalties/consequences for failing to comply with

compulsory attendance law.

Three (3) Unexcused Absences A letter is mailed to parent(s)/guardian(s) notifying

them that their child has at least three unexcused

absences and explains attendance expectations.

Five (5) Unexcused Absences A letter is mailed to parent(s)/guardian(s) notifying them

that their child has at least five unexcused absences,

reminding them of possible penalties/consequences of

misdemeanor violation, and requesting parent/guardian

participation in a Student Attendance Committee (SAC)

meeting.

20

Eight (8) Unexcused Absences The student may be referred to the school social

worker. Once referred to, the intensity of strategies and

interventions are increased; including a referral to

community agencies, home visits, and parent

workshops/training.

Ten (10) Unexcused Absences

(Truancy)

The social worker may refer the student to Juvenile

Court if parent(s)/guardian(s) are noncompliant with

attendance interventions or attendance does not

improve after the student has accumulated ten

unexcused absences.