2026–2027
Research suggests that regular school attendance is directly related to academic success. In alignment with NC §115C Article 26, students should not miss more than 10% of instructional days during the academic year. Excessive absences may result in retention consideration and may classify a student as chronically absent.
When a student must miss school, parents should send a written note or documentation from a healthcare provider on the day the child returns to school with the following information:
1. Date of the note
2. Date(s) of the absence
3. Specific reason for the absence
4. Parent/guardian signature
Remind messages, phone calls, and emails will not be accepted as official attendance documentation.
An absence may be lawfully excused for the following reasons:
• Personal illness or injury: Only eight (8) parent-written notes for personal illness or injury will be accepted during the school year.
• Death in the immediate family (3 days) with documentation
• Medical or dental appointments
• Court or administrative proceedings
• Religious observances
• Educational opportunities with prior principal approval
• Parent military service obligations
• Other reasons approved by the Board of Directors or administration
After three (3) consecutive days of absence due to illness, a healthcare provider’s note will be required for the absence to be excused. Handwritten parent notes will not excuse absences beyond three consecutive days. Students with excessive absences or those considered chronically absent may be required to provide healthcare documentation explaining the reason for frequent absences. Continued excessive absences without appropriate documentation may result in absences being classified as unexcused.
If a student is absent for reasons other than those listed above, or if documentation is not received within two weeks of the absence, the absence will be considered unexcused. Absences due to transportation issues, car trouble, oversleeping, or family emergencies will be considered unexcused absences.
Notification will be sent to parents/guardians after 3, 6, and 10 unexcused absences in accordance with North Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law. After 10 accumulated unexcused absences, the principal or counselor may pursue additional actions as required by law.
Parents may submit an Educational Absence Request to the principal prior to a trip for consideration as an excused educational opportunity. This is located under the school website under parent forms.
Upon returning from an absence, students are expected to complete missed assignments within 3 school days unless other arrangements are approved by the teacher or administration.