Attendance

Typically, a student is chronically absent if they miss 18 days.  That's an average of two days each month of the school year.

“Any student in grade K-12 who misses 50 percent or more of the instructional day, for any reason, for 10 percent (or more) of the enrollment period. This includes excused absences, unexcused absences and suspensions” - SC Department of Education

Can being absent impact my child’s academic success?

Yes. Data shows that students who are chronically absent do not achieve as well academically. For the 2023-24 school year, only 37% of students who were chronically absent were on grade level for English Language Arts compared to 57.8% of their peers. Likewise, only 23% of students who were chronically absent were on grade level for math compared to 47% of their peers. Attendance matters!

How can I prioritize attendance?

• Keep track of absences (excused and unexcused).
• Know your school’s attendance policy.
• Talk with your student about the importance of showing up to school every day.
• Take the Be Present S.C. pledge!

• 1 in 4 Kids are chronically absent in SC
• Chronically absent student is any student who is absent for 10 percent (or more) of the enrollment period. This is usually 18 days for most students, as the the typical enrollment period is 180 days.  All absences including excused, unexcused, and suspensions count towards a student’s chronic absenteeism rate.
• Attendance matters!  Data shows that students who are chronically absent do not perform as well academically as their classmates.  For the 2023-2024 school year, only 37% of students who were chronically absent were on grade level for English Language Arts compared to 57.8% of the students who were not chronically absent.  In math, only 23% of students who were chronically absent are on grade level compared to 47% of the students not chronically absent.
• Missing just 2 days a month can make your child chronically absent

See the Camden High School Student Handbook for more information about our policies.

• Parents should provide the school with a note for every absence whether that is from a doctor (excused absence) or a parent note explaining why the student was absent.  Not providing a note can result in the student being considered truant under SC state law.  Notes should be turned in within 5 days of the absence.
• Truancy is the accumulation of UNLAWFUL absences for a year.  A written statement must be presented for all absences.
• Parent Notes may prevent Family Court Proceedings for Truancy but do not excuse absences for the purpose of receiving High School Credit.
• Students more than 15 minutes late to class are considered absent to class.
• If a student misses more than the allowed absences per class, no credit can be awarded per state law.  Students may be able validate to make up seat time and receive credit for the class. 
  • Semester Class - any absences after 5 must be an excused absence
  • Quarter Class - any absences after 3 must be an excused absence

Lawful Absences

• Illness of the student to the degree that attendance in school would endanger the health of the student or others.
• Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family.
• Observance of recognized religious holidays of the student’s faith.
• Appearances in court or an appointment with a legal officer.
• Appointments with a physician, dentist, or other recognized licensed/certified medical practitioner.
• Participation in school-related activities that have received prior approval by the principal or designee.we cannot excuse club athletics or events from outside organizations.
• Suspension from class or school.
• Unusual or unexpected mitigating circumstances as determined by the principal. 

Unlawful Absences 

• Willfully absent from school without the knowledge of parent/guardian.
• Absent from school without acceptable cause with the knowledge of parent/guardian.
• Absent from school and a valid written excuse is not presented. 

Attendance and  Receiving Credit for a Course- SCDE Regulation

• Semester Course (90 Day) - You can have 5 absences for any reason.  After the 5th absence, all absences must be medical or legal. Parent notes cannot be accepted after the 5th absence. 
• Quarter Course (45 Day) - You can have 3 absences for any reason. After the 3rd absence, all absences must be medical or legal.  Parent notes cannot be accepted after the 3rd absence.
• If you miss too many days and do not complete the validation process within 30 days, you will receive a Failure due to Absences (FA) on your Report Card. You will not receive credit for the course.