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Attendance Policy

SPCA Attendance Policy 

“Achievement Begins With Regular Attendance.”

At Septima P. Clark Academy, we believe consistent attendance is essential for academic success—especially for students working to accelerate graduation. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring students attend school daily and arrive on time. Students are expected to attend 180 days and be present for all classes.

Lawful (Excused) Absences

The following absences are considered excused with proper documentation:

  • Student illness when attendance would endanger the health of the student or others

  • Illness or death in the immediate family

  • Recognized religious holidays

  • School-approved activities (competitions, ceremonies, academic events, etc.)

  • Out-of-school or in-school suspension

  • Field trips approved by the school

A doctor’s note may be required for repeated or extended illnesses.

Unlawful (Unexcused) Absences

Unlawful absences include, but are not limited to:

  • Absences without parent knowledge

  • Absences with parent permission but without an acceptable reason

  • Family vacations or trips

  • Failure to attend without documentation

Chronic Absenteeism

A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year for any reason—excused or unexcused (including illness and suspension). Chronic absenteeism can negatively impact promotion, graduation progress, and academic standing.

Attendance Requirements for Course Credit

Students must attend minimum days to earn course credit:

  • Quarter Course: 42 of 45 days

  • Semester (4x4) Course: 85 of 90 days

  • Yearlong Course: 170 of 180 days

Unlawful absences do not guarantee the ability to make up assignments.

Documentation Requirements

  • A written excuse is required within 3 school days of returning.

  • Notes must include: student name, date(s) of absence, parent/guardian name, and reason.

  • Text messages and emails are not accepted.

  • More than 10 parent-note absences require official medical or legal documentation.

South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law

State law requires children ages 5–17 to attend school regularly. Failure to follow compulsory attendance requirements may result in legal consequences for parents/guardians.

Truancy Definitions

  • Truant:
    3 consecutive unlawful absences OR 5 total unlawful absences

  • Habitual Truant:
    A student who does not follow their attendance intervention plan and accumulates 2 additional unlawful absences

  • Chronic Truant:
    A student previously referred to Family Court for truancy who continues to accumulate unlawful absences

Truancy Intervention Process

  1. Parent/guardian notified at the first unlawful absence

  2. At 3 consecutive or 5 total unlawful absences, the school begins a truancy investigation

  3. A required conference is held to create an attendance intervention plan

  4. The plan is updated if additional unlawful absences occur

  5. Continued absences may lead to referral to:

    • District Alternative Programs

    • DSS

    • Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office / Family Court

Suspensions do not count as unlawful absences.