Regular class attendance is essential to the learning process. Not only do students gain factual knowledge through teacher explanation and presentation, they also learn to discuss, debate, and defend an opinion. They learn from their peers and, in turn, they enrich the learning experience for others.

The Academy strongly discourages non-essential absences. Family trips and college visits should be scheduled during school vacation. The school calendar is published months in advance and we encourage families to adhere to the published holidays. If an unavoidable circumstance arises which will cause a student to miss class, the student should inform the Dean of Students and the Main Office well in advance.

If a student exceeds a total of 15 absences from any course in an academic year, she or he may be placed on attendance probation for the remainder of the year. If more absences occur, the student may be asked to withdraw from the course and repeat it the following year, regardless of the achievement grade at the time of withdrawal. If the course is repeated the following year, the transcript will show “incomplete” for the year of withdrawal. If the course is not repeated for any reason, the transcript will show an F.

In the case of 15 entire-day absences, the same guidelines apply. After 15 absences the student may be placed on attendance probation. Absences in excess of 15 days may require that the student repeat the grade, regardless of grades earned in each course.

In extraordinary cases of prolonged illness or disability, documented by a physician, the faculty may exercise its discretion to modify this policy. In this event, the Academy may ask the family to hire a tutor to aid the student in making up all missed course work.

If parents must take their student out of school for three days or more it is essential that a PLANNED ABSENCE FORM be obtained from the Main Office/Middle School Office. This form must be completed and submitted to the Main Office prior to the student’s absence.

In addition, if parents go away for an extended period of time and leave the student in someone else’s charge, the Academy would appreciate advanced notification from the parents. If someone else will be calling in absences, etc., the Academy must have notification on file in the Main Office indicating where the parent or guardian can be reached in case of an emergency.

Appointments that take students out of class are discouraged; instructors should not be expected to provide extra help or to reschedule tests due to avoidable absences.