The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) mission is to ensure that students reach their full potential through rigorous and joyful learning experiences provided in a nurturing environment. DCPS and its schools view attendance as one of the key metrics in working towards this mission. Attendance patterns provide key insight into experiences that may impact other domains of child development.

This policy outlines general attendance requirements, school expectations for attendance, excused absences and required documentation, immunization and attendance requirements, absences due to school-sponsored activities, school-based attendance interventions, prohibited actions related to absenteeism, grading and promotion attendance requirements, late arrival for secondary students, early dismissal for all students, and attendance record appeals.