Attendance

School success goes hand in hand with good attendance!

Seat Time Requirements for High School Classes

Attendance is a crucial requirement for course credit and academic promotion. To receive one unit of credit in a semester course, students must satisfy the State of South Carolina's required seat time. Specifically, the state stipulates that 120 hours of seat time are required to earn one Carnegie Unit (one unit of credit). A student is considered absent if they miss more than 50% of the instructional day or any specific class period.

Any absence in excess of 5 days for a course meeting 90 days (semester block)

Students may make-up missed class time by participating in Seat Time Recovery (STR). Students are expected to complete assignments during this time. If STR is not completed, then a grade of FA (Failure due to Absences) is assigned regardless of the grade in the course. It will carry no earned points; however, it will be factored into the student's GPA as a 50. The student may need to retake the course to attempt and receive credit.

By law, all absences must be made up within 30 days of the course ending before credit can be given. Administration cannot complete required paperwork for obtaining a driver's license unless the student is in compliance with the South Carolina Truancy Law.

Lawful/Excused Absences

• The absence is caused by the student's own illness and whose attendance in school would endanger his/her health or the health of others.
• The absence is due to an illness or death in the student's immediate family.
• The absence is due to a recognized religious holiday of the student's faith.
• The absence is due to school activities that are approved in advance by the principal.

Unlawful/Unexcused Absences

• The absence of the student without the knowledge of his/her parent/legal guardian.
• The absence of the student without acceptable cause with the knowledge of his/her parent/legal guardian.
• Absences not approved by the principal.

Suspension(s)

Suspension(s) are not to be counted as an unlawful/unexcused absence for truancy purposes.

Required Excuses

Within three (3) days after returning to school, the student must submit a written excuse explaining his/her absence. If applicable, the student may also submit an excuse from the doctor. If a student does not submit an excuse, his/her absence will be considered unlawful/unexcused.

The excuse should include the following information:

• Student's Name
• Date the excuse was written
• Date(s) of the absence(s)
• Reason for the absence(s)
• Signature of the parent/legal guardian
• Telephone number