Can a School Kick You Out for Poor Attendance?

In the world of education, attendance policies and rules can vary widely from state to state and even from school to school. Here, we will dive into the specifics of whether a school can expel you for poor attendance, along with the laws and circumstances surrounding such actions.

State Laws and Truancy

Whether a school can kick you out for poor attendance largely depends on your state. In most states, students aged 18 or younger are required to attend school. To find out the specific laws and regulations applicable to your situation, you should search for your state's truancy laws.

Standard Attendance Policies

While attendance can lead to disciplinary action, it is generally not a direct reason for expulsion. However, poor attendance can have serious consequences such as failing grades or losing credits for the semester.

State-Specific Rules

Some school districts have strict policies and may expel students who consistently skip school. This essentially means you have withdrawn by not attending. Making a commitment to go back to your regular classes or pursue online education could prevent such an outcome. There are various alternative options to complete your schooling, and it's unwise to throw away your educational journey.

Poor Attendance and Credits

If you are out of district or open enrolled and not attending regularly, you might not be invited back to the school, as it is clear you value your education little. Schools are merely fulfilling their obligations to provide babysitting.

Valid Absences and Hearings

For severely missed days, due to valid reasons like family deaths, illnesses, or your own hospitalizations, you need to request a attendance hearing. You will need to present documentation and explain each day's absence. If you are caught up in missed work and have passed your classes, you might request a waiver to keep the credits. However, this applies more to high school students since the rules differ in college.

College Absences and Academic Probation

In college, poor attendance can lead to academic probation, and in most schools, it results in an automatic F. You must go to the dean and provide valid documentation for each absence. You may need to withdraw from classes to avoid an F. If you act quickly, you might get some of your money back. If you were on a scholarship, you might have to repay any remaining funds and permanently lose the scholarship.

International Considerations

While the laws and regulations in different countries can vary, in my experience from Malaysia, a school can indeed expel students for not coming to school.

Conclusion

While poor attendance is not typically a direct cause for expulsion, it can result in serious academic consequences. Understanding and adhering to attendance policies is crucial to maintaining your educational standing. Whether it's high school or college, having valid documentation and seeking support from the appropriate authorities can help you navigate difficult situations successfully.