As students head back to class, Perry County Schools is reminding families of the requirements of Alabama’s compulsory school attendance law for the 2026-2027 school year.
“Every school day counts,” Francis Marion School said in sharing the reminder. “Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic success.”
State law requires children ages 6 through 17 to attend school for 180 instructional days each year. The requirement applies to in-person, virtual, blended, remote and hybrid instruction alike, and a lack of participation in virtual or remote instruction counts as an absence. Parents must notify the school when a child is absent.
Written excuses are due within three school days of an absence, and up to four parent notes are accepted per semester. Excused reasons include personal illness, illness or death in the family, verified medical or dental appointments, emergencies approved by the principal, and religious observances. Absences of more than three days require principal approval, and total absences, excused and unexcused combined, may not exceed 18 days per school year.
Unexcused absences include those with no note or an invalid reason, unapproved absences and leaving school without permission. A student may be considered truant after three consecutive days of unexcused absence, five days in one semester or 10 days in one school year, and truancy may be reported to law enforcement or the district attorney.
Students should make up work after an absence, check in when arriving late, and be signed out by a parent or guardian for early dismissal.
For questions or support, contact the Perry County Schools Office of Attendance, 200 West Monroe Street in Marion, at 334-683-6528, or attendance officer James Johnson.
