Truancy

Who is required to attend school?

All children between the ages of eight and 17 are required to attend school in Pennsylvania. Parents can decide when to start their children in school, but it must be no later than the age of eight. Children must attend regularly through their 17th birthday.

Who is responsible for making sure a child attends school?

Every parent, guardian, or person in a parental relationship, who is responsible for a child between the ages of eight and 17, is liable for making sure that the child attends school regularly.

What is truancy?

Pennsylvania defines truancy as when a child of compulsory school age does not attend school for three or more consecutive days without a valid excuse for the absences.

When is a child considered habitually truant?

A child is liable for prosecution for truancy if he/she has accumulated more than three unlawful absences.