Attendance Matters

By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

Daily attendance in school is a strong indicator of future success. At Clifton, students are engaged in teamwork, hands-on learning, and internships that cannot always be made up. Consistent attendance supports student learning and also helps prepare students for their future careers. When we talk with employers, they repeatedly tell us they are looking for reliable employees.

State Attendance Policies

Compulsory Attendance Law

State law (Texas Education Code Section 25.085) requires that all students older than 6 and younger than 19 attend school each day. If a student is absent from school for 10+ days in a six-month period, the student and/or their guardian are subject to civil prosecution by the truancy court, including fines starting at $100 for each offense. Absences include being absent for part of a day (e.g., arriving late or leaving early).

State Funding

Texas is one of only six states funded by attendance.  When students are absent, campuses miss out on important funding for programs and resources that ensure success across teh district.

90% Rule

In order to receive credit or a final grade for a class, a student is required to attend class 90% of the days class is offered.  This applies to all absences, whether or not they are excused [see FEA] or unexcused. If a student drops below 90% attendance in a course, an "NC" (No Credit) is entered on the report card, even if a student has a passing grade.  A student who has at least 75% attendance may be able to complete an attendance plan approved by the Campus Attendance Committee.

For the 2025-2026 school year, 90% attendance means no more than 3 absences per class during Semester 1 and no more than 4 absences per class during Semester 2.

Clifton Attendance Procedures

Students must by physically present at Clifton to be marked present. Students are considered tardy if they arrive after the last bus. Students are considered absent if they arrive after 10:30 AM in the morning section or 2:15 PM in the afternoon section.

Reporting Absences

Parents/guardians reporting an absence 

• Send a physical note/documentation to the Clifton Front Office. We will always offer to make a copy of the note if the student also needs to report the absence to their home campus.
• E-mail clifton@austinisd.org
• Submit an absence note online using the Austin ISD School Absence Form

Students who stay at their home campus during their Clifton period will be marked absent. Home campus attendance specialists can change the attendance code in these situations if the student is participating in another school event, has an educational meeting, etc. This should be the exception, not the rule, and it does not excuse a student from their Clifton coursework.

Students attending family trips during scheduled school days will remain coded as an unexcused absence. Car problems, traffic, or oversleeping are also considered unexcused absences or tardies. Learn more about attendance descriptions and codes.

If a student knows they will be absent, we encourage them to contact their Clifton teacher directly. Although this does not excuse the absence, this is another great habit to practice for life after high school.

Leaving Early

Students who leave early must be signed out in the office by an adult on the approved pick-up list. Leaving for any part of the day will result in an unexcused tardy. Students leaving for or arriving from a medical appointment must bring a note from the doctor to excuse the absence/tardy.

Clifton Attendance Incentives

TBD for the 2025-2026 school year.