Pennsylvania school law requires all children between the ages of eight and 17 to attend school. Once a child begins school (usually kindergarten or first grade), he or she must attend continuously. Attendance is expected on all days when school is in session, except for illness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, impassable roads, exceptionally urgent reasons, and approved educational trips. The state laws recognize no other excuse for pupil absences.

Parents or guardians are held responsible for unlawful absences and are subject to prosecution and fine ($300). Students may also be fined and loose their driver’s license for up to six months.

Educational trips must receive prior approval from the principal in order to qualify as excused absences. A request for approval must be submitted to the principal at least 10 days before the anticipated absence. Request forms are available in each school building office. No educational absences will be approved during the weeks of state testing (PSSA) and the first and last 10 school days of the school year, except in very unusual circumstances.