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 email hamiltonms.attendance@seattleschools.org or 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.

SPS Student Attendance

All children in Washington state have a constitutionally guaranteed right to an education. They are also legally required to attend school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% of school, regardless of the reason — that’s 18 days in a school year!

Regular school attendance is the key to student academic success. Attendance has a dramatic impact on key milestones, including 3rd grade reading, 9th grade achievement, high school graduation, and life success.

Unexcused Absences and Truancy – WA State Law “Becca Bill”

If a student has unexcused absences, Washington state law requires that schools take specific actions:

How can families help?

We miss your student when they are gone, and we value their contributions to their school. Please help us ensure your student attends regularly and is successful in school:

• Have your child attend school unless they are truly sick, such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a contagious rash, any health conditions related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases as defined in WA state law.
  • When is my child too sick for school?
• Schedule appointments and arrange travel for times when school is not in session.
• Keep track of your child’s attendance. Missing school, excused or unexcused, puts your child at risk of falling behind.
  • Compulsory Attendance Letters (translations available)
• Maintain communication with your student’s school and teacher if additional support is needed or to discuss barriers that prevent your student from participation.
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Ensure that your child finishes their homework the night before.

Contact your school:

• To report a student absence
• If you have a question about an automated message you received
• If you have general attendance questions

Contact the SPS Attendance Office:

• If you have questions about truancy
• If you have questions about an attendance letter you received from the district or court

SPS Attendance Office
attendance@seattleschools.org 
206-252-0827
SPS Attendance Office webpage