Introduction
New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is excited to welcome your child into our schools each and every day! Our schools are safe and supportive environments, and the classroom is a better place when your child is here. More time in school means your child will get the social-emotional and academic support they need to thrive, learn, and be happy.
Students who miss days of school can:
- fall behind in learning and have a harder time staying on track
- risk not graduating on time
- have difficulty pursuing academic and career opportunities that may interest them
- miss out on afterschool sports and activities, and even special events like field trips
We know getting to school isn’t always easy. Your child might miss school for illness, emergencies, or religious reasons. We want to see every student in school every day and are here to support you to make that happen.
Please contact your school parent coordinator or call 311 to get connected to what you need for your child to attend school consistently and succeed.
NYCPS Attendance Policy and Record-Keeping
Attendance is a required, legal record
By law, schools must take attendance to show whether a student is in school or not by marking them as P for present or A for absent. A child who does not attend school must be marked absent, even if the absence is excused.
Attendance records in the electronic system cannot be changed after the middle of July. However, they may be amended by submitting a letter to the student's file. Ask the school for attendance records or track your child’s attendance in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA).
Excused absences are still absences
Schools can excuse absences when a student is absent for religious, medical or emergency reasons, but excused absences are a legal part of the student's record. Excused absences may not count against a student for school awards or participation in school activities.
- The Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) 80 percent attendance requirement does not count excused absences.
- Schools publish their Every Student Every Day Attendance policy and help students who do miss school to stay on track with take-home and make-up work.
Schools must contact the student's family after every absence
Schools must tell families when students are absent, as well as if they are late arriving to school. Families must provide a reason for absences.
- Ask your child's schools how and when they will notify you of absences. Does the school have the right information to contact you? Check that your NYCSA and Blue Card have your correct contact information.
- Schools should tell families how and when they will be contacted about absences and latenesses. They should regularly check and update family contact information, including home addresses.
There is no general remote learning option this year
If your child is enrolled in A School Without Walls, Virtual Learning Classrooms, Virtual Academy, in medically necessary instruction, or participating remotely during full building emergencies/closures, your child will be flagged as “learning remotely” in the attendance system.
Common Reasons Students Miss School
There may be school resources that can help you manage attendance. Click a topic below to find out more.
Does your student miss school because of transportation problems?
- Find transportation options available to your student.
- Use MTA.info find the best way to get to school by public transportation.
- Ask the school if there is a “walking school bus” or a group of families who can take turns walking students to school.
- If you use a yellow school bus, make sure your school has the right phone number and address so you know about any changes.
- Fair Fares is a City program that helps eligible New Yorkers reduce their transportation costs by 50% on subway, certain buses, the Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link. Fair Fares also gives 50% off Access-A-Ride trips.
- Talk with your school's parent coordinator if you have other travel worries
Does your student miss school because of health issues?
- Speak with your school parent coordinator, social worker, guidance counselor, or nurse.
- Health and Wellness has a list of health programs and benefits, immunizations, and school-based health centers that provide free medical care to all students. Mental health services are available for students with emotional or behavior issues.
- Your school can help plan how to manage your student's asthma. Complete the Asthma Action Plan with your school.
- The Medical Administration Form allows the school to administer medication if your student needs it.
- A 504 Accomodation for a barrier-free site or extra breaks during the day can help a student can stay in school.
- Learn about health insurance and benefits at the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
- NYC 988 is your connection to free, private mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services.
- Home or Hospital Instruction is available for students who cannot attend school because of a medical or physical condition, or emotional or psychological disability.
- NYC 988 connects to free, private mental health support. Speak with a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services.
Does your student want to miss school because of school work?
- Meet with the teacher or counselor and ask about the student's classwork. Ask about tutoring programs or, possibly, evaluations for special services.
- Get homework help from Dial-a-Teacher.
- Families of high school students can check Graduation Requirements so they know exactly where their student is on the way to graduation.
- Families show school is important with simple habits like talking about school every day. Set and keep regular meal and bed times. Have books in the house or visits the library. Celebrate when your student does well.
Does your student want to miss school and you are not sure why?
- Talk about what is happening in school. If there is bullying, or online bullying talk with the guidance counselor or other staff. Check out the Respect for All program and what families can do to help.
- Visit the school and ask for help on how to manage your student's social media use.
- Find out more about teen health and mental health issues.
- Look at the programs at DYCD Youth Connect or call 800-246-4646 to ask about after-school programs, tutoring services, and job opportunities for young people.
- The Family Assessment Program (FAP) office in your borough may be able to help you with crisis services, family counseling, mediation or other services. This is a program within ACS but families do not need to be ACS involved to participate and are not reported to ACS.
Other ways schools can help families with student attendance
- Ask the school counselor to set up a "contract" with your student with goals for attendance, and rewards and consequences.
- Set up a time to talk with the parent coordinator or school counselor about attendance and any concerns.
- Ask about counseling services or a mentor for your student.
- Are there after school or extra-curricular programs to help keep your student interested in school?
- Different class schedules or co-op programs for high school students might help.
- There are resources for families. Let your school know what your family and student needs (housing, healthcare, school supplies, clothes, toiletries).
- Find help in NYC with food, money, housing, work and more on Access NYC.
- The NYC Administration for Children's Services can connect you to a wide range of free services and resources aimed at making families and communities stronger. To find services in your area, you can:
More About Attendance
See the Chancellor's Regulations about our attendance policies, below: