School districts in Texas receive state funding based in part on Average Daily Attendance (ADA) numbers. ADA is a figure that indicates the average number of students who attend a particular school district in a school year. ADA is a key number in a formula that ultimately determines how much money your school gets from the state.  The bottom line is your school loses money when your child is absent. At the same time, the school has to bare the expense of ensuring every child receives the best education possible. So yes, for several reasons, it is important for your child to attend school. 

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State law requires children to attend school each day that instruction is provided. The law applies to children ages 6–19. If you voluntarily enroll your child in prekindergarten or kindergarten before age 6, school attendance laws apply to your child, too. 

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Unexcused absences, tardies, and early dismissals can lead to truancy court. Texas Education Code 25.095 states as a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in a parental relation to the child you are responsible for monitoring your child’s school attendance and making sure they are in regular attendance. When attendance problems arise, we will hold a TPM (Truancy Prevention Meeting) with the parents/guardians to avoid referral to court. However, if the problem is not resolved and the child fails to attend as required by law, we are required to refer the parent/guardian to court as this is considered the offense of Parent Contributing to Truancy and legal charges can be brought against the parent/guardian. 

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