Ohio School Attendance Laws

Ohio School Attendance Laws

Schnee Learning Center

Effective September 30, 2025:

Ohio has updated its school attendance laws.

Here’s what families need to know:

KEY CHANGES

All Absences Count

Every absence adds up toward chronic absenteeism, including:

 Excused

 Unexcused

 Medical

 Suspension

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

Missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason (excused, unexcused, medical, or

suspension) = chronically absent

Earlier Family Notifications

Schools must notify parents when a student reaches 5% of missed school hours - the district will be doing

this 6 times per school year. ORC 3321.191

Habitual Truancy and Court

If a student is habitually truant and not improving, schools must file with juvenile court

What is Habitual Truancy?

Ohio law defines a “habitual truant” based on unexcused absences only:

 30 or more consecutive hours (≈5 school days)

 42 or more hours per month (≈7 school days)

 72 or more hours per year (≈12 school days)

What Families Can Do

 Track absences closely — even excused absences count

 Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible

 Communicate early with your child’s school if challenges arise

 Ask for support — reach out if you need help, have questions, or face barriers

 Provide documentation for doctor’s appointments, court dates, etc.