Seattle School District Attendance Policy

It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that consistent attendance is essential to the Seattle Public Schools mission of academic achievement for every student in every school. Absent students miss critical instruction in key concepts, quickly fall behind in school, and are less likely to achieve academic success. Accordingly, school attendance is mandatory, and unexcused absences and truancy are prohibited within Seattle Public Schools. Students who have an excessive number of excused absences (10 or more in a semester) may fall under the truancy law as well, and schools that fail to comply with the Compulsory Attendance law may lose state monies or support.

What should I do if my student is late or absent?

If a student misses school or is late due to an excused absence, a parent/guardian needs to call the Hamilton Attendance Office at 206-252-5814 on the morning of each missed day or late arrival. Upon returning to school, your student needs to bring a note signed by a parent/guardian with the student’s full name, the date(s) and the reason(s) for absence or tardiness. The student must take the note to the Attendance Office before going to class. If you know ahead of time that your child will have an excused absence lasting three days or more , you need to send a letter to the Attendance Office before your child is absent.