Regular school attendance is essential for student success, and it’s a responsibility shared by families, schools and the broader community. In Hawaiʻi, school attendance is governed by both state law and Board of Education policy, which emphasize the importance of keeping students engaged in learning from an early age. These guidelines ensure that children age 5 through 17 attend school regularly, helping to build a strong foundation for their future.
“Unless excluded from school or excepted from attendance, all children who will have arrived at the age of at least five years on or before July 31 of the school year, and who will not have arrived at the age of eighteen years, by January 1 of any school year, shall attend either a public or private school for, and during, the school year, and any parent, guardian, or other person having the responsibility for, or care of, a child whose attendance at school is obligatory shall send the child to either a public or private school.”
“The Department shall make every effort to ensure and enforce student school attendance in accordance with the compulsory attendance law.”
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason – excused or unexcused and can occur with missing as little as two days per month. Frequently being absent from school can significantly hinder a student’s ability to master grade-level material. Regular attendance allows students to keep pace with coursework and participate fully in classroom activities.
Ang mga mag-aaral na may higit sa 18 na hindi pinahihintulutang pagliban at hindi tumugon sa mga interbensyon batay sa paaralan ay maaaring i-refer sa Family Court. Maaaring ilagay ng Family Court ang isang bata sa ilalim ng hurisdiksyon para sa pag-alis kung ang bata ay hindi pumapasok sa paaralan o hindi tumatanggap ng mga serbisyong pang-edukasyon na iniaatas ng batas.