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The School District of Philadelphia is responsible for enforcing the compulsory school attendance laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for properly recording student attendance and maintaining student records.

 The School District of Philadelphia is dedicated to the academic achievement and success for all students. Regular school attendance is an integral part of that success. When students attend school on a daily basis, they will not only improve their academic skills but build a greater capacity for social and emotional growth as well.

Student accounting combines the functions of enrollment management and attendance monitoring.  Enrollment management requires careful attention because it is the basis by which the State allocates school subsidies. Therefore, student attendance must be accurately recorded and monitored daily, up to and including the last day of school.

The Office of Attendance and Truancy serves to offer training and supportive services to all members of the school community, to help improve student attendance, to account for all District students, and to comply with the compulsory school attendance laws.

At the beginning of each school year, students and parents/guardians should be advised of the attendance requirements and expectations.  School staff should stress the benefits of regular attendance, as well as inform parents/guardians and students of the consequences of irregular or non-attendance, including possible court action.

Every Child, In School and In Class, Every Day, On Time!

2011/12 Student Attendance and Child Accounting Manual

Student Attendance and Child Accounting Manual

The School District of Philadelphia's Student Attendance Manual has been updated for AY 2011/2012.  It includes procedures for recording attendance, removal of students from office roll, record keeping, coding absences, running attendance reports, the Truancy Intervention Protocol (TIP), and much more.  Click the above link to view/download.

Office of Specialized Services:  Homebound Instruction

Homebound instruction is a service the district may provide during a temporary period of excused absence not to exceed three months. Excusal from school attendance during this period may be granted, "...upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of mental, physical or other urgent reasons, but the term ‘urgent reasons' shall be strictly construed and does not permit irregular attendance." (22 PA. CODE CH. 11 Sec. 25). Homebound instruction should be used as a last resort after all other options and /or alternative schedules (i.e. half days, work packets, etc.) have been exhausted.

Click to view page and download Homebound Instruction Manual  (http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/s/oss/programs--services/homebound-instruction).

Attendance Challenge

The monthly attendance challenge compares an entire school's average daily attendance (ADA) improvement to its ADA each month.  For example, for the January 2012 challenge we will compare the ADA for December 2011 to the ADA for January 2012. 

The high, middle, and elementary schools with the highest percent increase in ADA will win the prizes listed on the monthly incentive flyer.  Prizes are intended to supplement lunchroom and recess materials and for schools to use internally as incentives for students with most improved attendance.

February 2012 Challenge

Incentive Flyer

January 2012 Challenge

Incentive Flyer

December 2011 Challenge

Incentive Flyer

Winners

• High School - Kensington CAPA
• Middle School - Jones Middle School
• Elementary School - Lea School

November 2011 Challenge

Incentive Flyer

Winners

• High School - Philadelphia Learning Academy South
• Middle School - Hill-Freedman Middle School
• Elementary School - Catharine Elementary School

October 2011 Challenge

Incentive Flyer

Winners

• High School - South Philadelphia High School
• Middle School - Roosevelt Middle School
• Elementary School - William Harrison School

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