Attendance at Orlando Gifted Academy
Every Student. Every Class. Every Day.
Being in class every day – on time – matters. Students who miss school miss instruction, discussions, and experiences that can’t be replaced. Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success.
 
What Parents Need to Know
•    Attendance is the responsibility of both parents and students.
•    Every absence starts as unexcused until a written excuse is received.
•    Families have 48 hours to provide documentation for an absence.
•    Report cards include both attendance and tardies.
 
Excused Absences
The following are considered excused absences (with proper documentation):
•    Student illness, injury, or medical appointment
•    Death or serious injury in the immediate family
•    Recognized religious holidays (request in writing 5 days in advance)
•    Court/legal appointments
•    Approved educational opportunities (with prior principal approval)
•    Military leave (up to 5 days for deployment or return of immediate family)
•    Catastrophic events (e.g., loss of housing, natural disaster)
Please Note: A doctor’s note may be required if absences for illness become frequent.
 
Unexcused Absences
Absences that do not fit OCPS guidelines include:
•    Vacations or family trips
•    Transportation issues or missed bus
•    Oversleeping or non-medical appointments
 
Tardies & Early Check-Outs
•    Students not in their class when the bell rings are tardy.
•    Students must be allowed to sign in no matter how late they arrive (however, more than 4 periods missed is considered absent).
•    5 tardies or 5 early check-outs = 1 unexcused absence (for truancy purposes).
 
Truancy & Consequences
Truant: 5 unexcused absences in 1 month OR 10 in 90 days.
Habitual Truant: 15 unexcused absences in 90 days.
Interventions for Truancy May Include:
•    Parent meetings
•    Attendance contracts
•    Referral to the school’s Child Study Team
•    Possible truancy petition in court if patterns continue