Attendance and Lateness Policy
Attendance & Lateness Policy
Success begins with being present and on time.
Who is Required to Attend?
The Pennsylvania School Compulsory Law requires school attendance for students. As Philadelphia is a District of the First Class, the requirement for school attendance is between the ages of 6 and 17. Once enrolled, a student remains on the District's roll and the family is subject to Truancy Court if the child does not attend school.
What Happens When a Child is Absent?
Submit a Note
Parents must submit an absence note within three days of the absence. Notes submitted after 3 days require Principal approval.
3 Unexcused Days
A "Three Day Legal Notice" (C-31) is sent to parents to make them aware of the missed consecutive or non-consecutive days.
6 Unexcused Days
The school will create an attendance plan and arrange a meeting with the family to help remove barriers to school attendance.
10+ Unexcused Days
A Truancy Referral is submitted to the Office of Attendance & Truancy, which may lead to a citation for Truancy Court.
Lateness Policy
Students arriving after lines have entered the building must report to the office. Emlen discourages lateness as it results in lost instructional time.
Important: Parents will be notified after 3 instances of lateness, and the student may be assigned a detention to encourage punctuality.