Introduction
Every Day Matters!
Every Day Matters!
Every day in school is an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Every day in New York City Public Schools gives students the opportunity to learn, build meaningful relationships, discover their interests, and move closer to achieving their goals. Regular attendance helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and school community so they can make the most of every opportunity.
Chronically Present (90%+ attendance) is the minimum benchmark for staying connected to learning.
Students who are Chronically Present:
- stay engaged in learning and make steady academic progress,
- build the knowledge and skills needed to graduate prepared for college, careers and life,
- develop meaningful friendships and positive relationships with caring adults,
- build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging,
- explore academic, artistic, athletic, and career opportunities that match their interests,
- and participate in field trips, clubs, performances, sports, leadership opportunities, and other enriching school experiences.
Every Day Matters, and we're here to partner with you to help your child be Chronically Present—attending school consistently so they can learn, build relationships, and thrive.
If your family needs support, please contact your school's Parent Coordinator or call 311. We can help connect you with school and community resources to address barriers to attendance and ensure your child has every opportunity to succeed.
NYCPS Attendance Policy and Record-Keeping
Attendance is a required, legal record
By law, schools must take attendance to show whether a student is in school or not by marking them as P for present or A for absent. A child who does not attend school must be marked absent, even if the absence is excused.
Attendance records in the electronic system cannot be changed after the middle of July. However, they may be amended by submitting a letter to the student's file. Ask the school for attendance records or track your child’s attendance in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA).
Excused absences are still absences
Schools can excuse absences when a student is absent for religious, medical or emergency reasons, but excused absences are a legal part of the student's record. Excused absences may not count against a student for school awards or participation in school activities.
- Schools publish their Every Student Every Day Attendance policy and help students who do miss school to stay on track with take-home and make-up work.
Schools Partner with Families After Every Absence
Regular communication between schools and families helps ensure students stay connected to learning and receive support when they need it.
Schools will notify families when a student is absent or arrives late to school. Families are encouraged to let the school know the reason for the absence so staff can provide appropriate support and maintain accurate attendance records.
To help your school reach you:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) and on your child's Blue Card, including your phone number, email address, and home address.
- Ask your child's school how they communicate about absences and lateness (phone calls, text messages, email, or the NYCSA app) and when you can expect to receive notifications.
- If your contact information changes during the school year, notify your child's school as soon as possible so you continue receiving important updates.
Staying connected helps schools and families work together to remove barriers, support regular attendance, and ensure every student has the opportunity to be Chronically Present—in school, engaged, and ready to learn every day.
There is no general remote learning option this year
If your child is enrolled in A School Without Walls, Virtual Learning Classrooms, Virtual Academy, in medically necessary instruction, or participating remotely during full building emergencies/closures, your child will be flagged as “learning remotely” in the attendance system.
Common Reasons Students Miss School
There may be school resources that can help you manage attendance. Click a topic below to find out more.
If your child miss school because of transportation challenges
- Find transportation options available to your student.
- Use MTA.info find the best way to get to school by public transportation.
- Ask the school if there is a “walking school bus” or a group of families who can take turns walking students to school.
- If you use a yellow school bus, make sure your school has the right phone number and address so you know about any changes.
- Fair Fares is a City program that helps eligible New Yorkers reduce their transportation costs by 50% on subway, certain buses, the Staten Island Railway, Roosevelt Island Tram, and Hudson Rail Link. Fair Fares also gives 50% off Access-A-Ride trips.
- Talk with your school's parent coordinator if you have other travel worries
If your child's health making it difficult to attend school regularly
- Speak with your school parent coordinator, social worker, guidance counselor, or nurse.
- Health and Wellness has a list of health programs and benefits, immunizations, and school-based health centers that provide free medical care to all students. Mental health services are available for students with emotional or behavior issues.
- Your school can help plan how to manage your student's asthma. Complete the Asthma Action Plan with your school.
- The Medical Administration Form allows the school to administer medication if your student needs it.
- A 504 Accommodation for a barrier-free site or extra breaks during the day can help a student can stay in school.
- Learn about health insurance and benefits at the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
- NYC 988 is your connection to free, private mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services.
- Home or Hospital Instruction is available for students who cannot attend school because of a medical or physical condition, or emotional or psychological disability.
- NYC 988 connects to free, private mental health support. Speak with a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services.
If Your Child is Feeling Overwhelmed by School
Sometimes students avoid school because they feel overwhelmed by schoolwork or are struggling academically. The good news is that support is available.
- Talk with your child's teacher, school avoidance liaison (SAL), or guidance counselor about what's happening in class. Ask about tutoring, academic supports, or whether an evaluation for additional services may be appropriate.
- Get homework support through https://dialateacher.org/.
- If your child is in high school, review Graduation Requirements together so you both understand their progress toward graduation.
- Create routines that support attendance and learning. Talk about school each day, maintain consistent bedtimes and mealtimes, encourage reading or library visits, and celebrate your child's effort and successes.
If Your Child Doesn't Want to Go to School and You're Not Sure Why
Many students experience challenges that can affect attendance, including friendship issues, bullying, anxiety, or concerns about social media. Start with a conversation and know that your school is there to help.
- Talk with your child about how they're feeling and what they're experiencing at school.
- If bullying or cyberbullying may be a concern, contact your school's counselor, parent coordinator, or another trusted staff member. Learn more about Respect for All and how families can help.
- Ask your school for guidance on supporting healthy social media use.
- Learn more about teen health and mental health issues.
- Explore after-school programs, tutoring, and youth opportunities through DYCD Youth Connect or call 800-246-4646.
- If your family is experiencing conflict or a crisis, the Family Assessment Program (FAP) offers free counseling, mediation, and support services. Families do not need to have an ACS case to receive services.
Your School Is Here to Help
You don't have to solve attendance challenges on your own. Partner with your child's school to identify solutions that work for your family.
You can:
- Meet with your school's Parent Coordinator, counselor, school avoidance liaison (SAL), or attendance team to discuss attendance concerns and create a student attendance success plan (SASP).
- Ask about mentoring, counseling, or other supportive relationships that can help your child feel connected to school.
- Explore after-school clubs, sports, arts, leadership opportunities, or other extracurricular activities that help students build friendships and a sense of belonging.
- For high school students, ask whether alternative schedules, career-connected learning, or co-op opportunities may better meet your child's needs.
- Let your school know if your family needs help accessing essentials such as housing, food, healthcare, transportation, school supplies, clothing, or toiletries.
The NYC Administration for Children's Services can connect you to a wide range of free services and resources aimed at making families and communities stronger. To find services in your area, you can:
More About Attendance
See the Chancellor's Regulations about our attendance policies, below: