IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the only method to report absences as of 10-19-2026.
UPDATED POLICY EFFECTIVE 10-19-2026 (ALL AREAS MARKED IN GREEN HAVE BEEN UPDATED) ATTENDANCE POLICY: Our holistic learning environment suffers when students come in late or do not come to class consistently. We strongly discourage parents from enabling their children to miss classes for arbitrary reasons. When a student misses class, he or she misses a planned progression of subject information as well as the conceptual process of learning new material. We feel strongly that each student contributes to the holistic learning experience of the entire class, and their absence impedes this process. Daily attendance is essential to assure a quality holistic learning environment. Any student missing 5 days or more in a quarter (excused or unexcused) will be put on an Attendance Action Plan. If absences are medical in nature, a medical exemption form will be provided with the Attendance Action Plan that can be signed by the child’s medical provider if it is determined that classes will continue to be missed for medical reasons. Additionally, if the administration believes that there is a pattern of absences, a parent teacher conference may be called at any time to address these concerns. If there are over 9 days missed in a semester, either a medical exemption must be completed by a medical practitioner, or a conference will be called to develop a Detailed Action Plan for habitual absences (this will be done if a medical exemption cannot be obtained or if absences are not medical in nature). If there is a family trip that a parent would like to request a one-time excused absence for, this must be done thirty (30) days prior to when the trip is scheduled.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
· Students must be signed in to school by no later than 10:30am on a full instructional day or 9:30am on an early release day to be considered present for the instructional day (and for a portion of core learning instruction time).
· Students that come to school at the start of the instructional day (8:35am) must stay until 11:30am (through core learning instruction time) on a full instructional day or 10:30am on an early release day to be considered present for the instructional day.
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AND STATE STATUTES Florida Compulsory School Law states all children who are either six years of age, or who will be six years old by February 1 of any school year, but who have not attained the age of 16 must attend school regularly during the entire school term. Students between 16 and 18 are also within compulsory attendance age unless a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment has been completed and signed by the parent.
Florida Law also states that each parent or legal guardian of a child is responsible for the child’s regular school attendance. Failure to attend school in a regular and timely fashion hinders the education process and may result in failing grades. Each student enrolled at FHA is expected to attend school every day and be punctual. Schools are required to track excused and unexcused absence in order to prevent the development of a pattern of non-attendance.
Students who are absent from school will be marked in one of two categories:
Excused Absences: Absences are excused for the following reasons: student illness, death in the family, medical or dental appointments, or any other reason excused by the Academy Director or Assistant Academy Director.
Examples of illnesses may include but are not limited to:
1. Contagious diseases such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, pink eye, influenza, and all flus.
2. Skin rashes–especially if the cause is unknown or if accompanied by fever or drainage. (We may require medical provider note to verify that the student is not contagious)
3. Head lice infestation.
4. Fever–students with an oral temperature of 100.4 or greater should be kept home until they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
5. Vomiting–students who vomit must stay home for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting.
6. Not feeling well due to recent vaccination/immunization-
Of special note: we require that you vaccinate your child on a Friday since most students may not feel well after receiving a vaccination/immunization. If you are unable to schedule an appointment on a Friday, please provide us the note from your doctor stating that your child has received a vaccination, and we will excuse the absence that day and up to 2 days afterwards, as needed.
Missing Academic Instruction Not Related to Illness. Examples Include:
1. There is a major illness in the student's immediate family.
2. There is a death in the immediate family.
3. The student attends religious instruction or there is a religious holiday in the student’s own faith (noting we are closed for most Christian religious holidays).
4. Student is required by summons, subpoena, or court order to appear in court (must supply subpoena).
5. Special events: important public functions, conferences, state/national competitions, cases of family need approved by administration.
6. The student has a scheduled medical, dental, or therapy appointment (if this is weekly or habitual, a medical exemption is preferred and will be provided to the parent/guardian, or a note must be provided for each and every visit).
7. A college visitation.
Reporting an Absence or Tardy Parents/Guardians are responsible for notifying the school when their child is absent. Absences should be reported before 8:24am via the Absence Form on the Parent Portal but must be reported within 2 school days (there is no guarantee the absence is excused but it still must be reported): We no longer accept calls or voicemails when your child is absent (tardy calls are still accepted but we prefer you to complete an Absence/Tardy Form). You will be directed to complete the Absence/Tardy Form.
Complete the Absence/Tardy Form Complete the Absence Reporting Form located on the Parent Portal, preferably before 8:24am. on the day of the absence. The Absence Form must be submitted no later than two (2) instructional days after the first day of the absence.
Parent Excuses via the Absence Form and Physician Notes Parent excuses on the Absence Form should be dated and reflect the student’s name, dates of absence, specific reason for the absence, and parent/legal guardian’s full signature. A maximum of ten (10) parent notes are allowed per school year; any absences after the 10th day/note will be considered an unexcused absence, excluding any doctor's notes. Please ensure excusal notes from the doctor's office also includes the student's name, dates of absences, and specific reason for the absence. Notes/documentation regarding absences should be provided immediately upon student’s return to school to be excused.
Loss of privileges due to unexcused absences A student having excessive unexcused absences may result in:
· Lose the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities. These include but are not limited to dances, special events, activities, and athletics, until the end of the following grading quarter. Absences accumulated in the fourth quarter will result in loss of privileges during said grading quarter only and will not carry over to the following year.
· Lose the privilege to drive to campus until the end of the following grading quarter. Absences accumulated in the fourth quarter will result in loss of privileges during said grading quarter only and will not carry over to the following year (noting that a spot may not be offered for the upcoming instructional year due to habitual truancy).
Florida State Statutes:
HABITUAL TRUANCY A student is deemed habitually truant when the student has accumulated fifteen (15) unexcused absences within ninety (90) calendar days, with or without the knowledge or justifiable consent of the parent or legal guardian. If the student and/or parent/legal guardian is still non-compliant with school attendance despite appropriate steps to remediate the student’s truant behavior, such as an Attendance Action Plan, A Detailed Action Plan or other interventions deemed appropriate (Unenrollment is one of our options to ensure we are able to continue to accept Choice Scholarships), then a truancy petition may be filed.
LEARNFARE Per FL legislature, families receiving temporary cash assistance from DCF could jeopardize their eligibility if a minor child (under the age of eighteen (18)) in the home is determined by the school to be either a habitual truant (fifteen (15) unexcused absences within ninety (90) calendar
ATTENDANCE ACTION PLAN/DETAILED ACTION PLAN Please note that: Students who miss five (5) or more days in a quarter (or 45 days, at FHA Administration’s discretion), whether excused or unexcused, will be placed on an Attendance Action Plan. Excused absences remain subject to administrative review and approval in accordance with the Excused Absences section of this handbook. If the administration identifies a pattern of excessive absences, a parent-teacher conference may be scheduled to discuss attendance concerns.
At the discretion of FHA Administration, we may require a Medical Exemption Form to be completed. If a medical exemption is not appropriate, has not or cannot be obtained, the school may require the parent/guardian to participate in an attendance conference, either in person, by telephone, or via Zoom, to develop a Detailed Attendance Action Plan for habitual absences. If a parent/guardian declines to participate or is unavailable after reasonable attempts to schedule the conference, the administration may proceed with developing the Detailed Attendance Action Plan without the parent's participation.
Family Trips/Extended Vacations: Family trips and extended vacations scheduled during the school's instructional days are strongly discouraged, as they result in missed classroom instruction and learning experiences that cannot always be replicated. Parents are encouraged to schedule vacations during school breaks whenever possible. Please refer to the school's instructional calendar, available on the Parent Portal, when planning travel. Parents/Guardians requesting a one-time excused absence for a family trip or extended vacation must submit a written request to the administration at least thirty (30) calendar days before the planned absence. Approval is not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on the student's attendance record, academic standing, and the educational impact of the absence. Any other pre-arranged absence that does not qualify under the Excused Absences section of this policy must also receive prior administrative approval at least thirty (30) calendar days before the anticipated absence.
Repeating Grade Due to Excessive Days Missed: Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Students who miss more than twenty (20) instructional days during the school year may be required to attend the school's Summer School, at the parent/guardian's expense, in order to complete the required instructional hours for grade promotion (for high school students, to earn academic credit) or the student may be held back in the same grade. The administration reserves the right to waive this requirement when appropriate.
Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to consider this policy when scheduling non-urgent medical appointments, family trips, or other planned absences during the instructional year. Whenever possible, appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours or during school breaks to minimize missed instructional time. In order for a student to get credit for the instructional day, the student must be in school until 11:30am (core instructional time) so this is another option if you must schedule an appointment during the instructional day.
Exceptions to the Attendance Policy: There are two exceptions to the attendance requirements outlined above:
Medical Exemption for Chronic Absenteeism
Health Leave for Chronic Absenteeism
(See the Medical Exemption for Chronic Absenteeism and Health Leave for Chronic Absenteeism sections of this handbook for complete eligibility requirements.)
To verify eligibility for either exception, Faith Holistic Academy reserves the right to request supporting documentation and, when appropriate and permitted by law, contact the student's licensed medical provider to verify that excessive absences or tardies are medically necessary
MEDICAL EXEMPTION FOR CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM Faith Holistic Academy recognizes that some students experience chronic medical conditions that may result in frequent or extended absences. Consistent with applicable Florida law, the school may approve a Medical Exemption for Chronic Absenteeism when a student's absences are medically necessary and supported by appropriate documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.
A qualifying medical condition may include, but is not limited to, a severe or chronic physical illness, mental health condition, injury, infection, disease, or other medically documented condition that significantly limits a student's ability to attend school on a regular basis.
A Medical Exemption may be considered when a student's medical condition results in more than five (5) consecutive instructional days of absence or when the administration determines that a medical exemption is appropriate based on the student's documented medical needs.
When the administration determines that a student may qualify for a Medical Exemption, the parent/guardian will be provided with the school's Medical Exemption Form.
The form must be completed by the student's licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, therapist, or other qualified healthcare professional licensed to practice in the State of Florida. The healthcare provider must:
· Verify the student's medical condition.
· Explain how the condition affects school attendance.
· Provide recommendations regarding the students’ attendance, treatment, or accommodation, when appropriate; and
· Sign and date the form with their professional credentials.
Documentation submitted in support of a Medical Exemption will become part of the student's confidential educational record.
Examples of conditions that may qualify include, but are not limited to:
Epilepsy
Severe anxiety disorders
PTSD
Compromised immune system
Severe allergies resulting in anaphylaxis
Chronic illnesses requiring ongoing treatment
Medical or therapeutic interventions requiring frequent appointments
Other chronic medical or mental health conditions documented by a licensed healthcare provider
Each request for a Medical Exemption is reviewed individually. Approval of a Medical Exemption does not guarantee promotion to the next grade level, excuse all absences automatically, or waive academic requirements. Students remain responsible for completing assignments and demonstrating mastery of required academic standards. If additional documentation is required, or if a specialist is overseeing the students’ care, the administration may request updated information before making a final determination.
A Medical Exemption will remain in effect until one of the following occurs:
The student's licensed healthcare provider documents that the medical condition has resolved.
The exemption expires based on the provider's recommendations.
The student withdraws from Faith Holistic Academy; or
The administration determines that updated medical documentation is necessary.
Extended Consecutive Absences: Students who are absent six (6) or more consecutive instructional days must also complete a Health Leave Form, even if a Medical Exemption is already on file. (See Health Leave for Chronic Absenteeism below.)
While every effort will be made to support students with documented medical conditions, Faith Holistic Academy reserves the right to determine whether continued enrollment remains appropriate when excessive absences significantly limit a student's ability to participate in the educational program or successfully meet academic requirements.
Health Leave for Chronic Absenteeism: Faith Holistic Academy recognizes that extended absences may occasionally be necessary due to the serious medical condition of a student or a parent/guardian. The Health Leave Policy is intended to support families during these circumstances while helping students maintain their academic progress whenever possible.
A Health Leave Form is required when:
1. A student is absent for six (6) or more consecutive instructional days because of the student's own medical condition; or
2. A student is absent for six (6) or more consecutive instructional days because a parent or legal guardian is experiencing a serious medical condition that prevents the student from attending school.
The Health Leave Form must be completed by a licensed healthcare provider and returned to the school within thirty (30) calendar days.
The administration will review the documentation and determine an appropriate academic plan based on the student's circumstances.
During a Health Leave, the administration may consider:
The student's anticipated return date.
Academic progress.
Completion of assigned work.
Recommendations from the healthcare provider.
The student's ability to successfully continue enrollment.
Returning from a Health Leave is contingent upon:
Medical clearance when appropriate.
Completion of required documentation.
Review by the administration; and
Determination that the student can successfully resume participation in the educational program.
The administration reserves the right to determine whether continued enrollment remains appropriate when extended absences significantly interfere with the student's educational progress. Extended consecutive absences may result in a review of the student's enrollment status. The administration will consider the student's medical documentation, academic progress, ability to participate in the educational program, and the school's ability to meet the student's educational needs before making a final determination.
Tardy Policy: Students arriving after 8:35 a.m. are considered tardy and must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the front office. Tardies resulting from medical or therapeutic appointments will be excused when appropriate documentation from the healthcare provider is submitted. Parents who notify the school before arrival that they are unexpectedly delayed may receive up to four (4) excused tardies during the instructional year for circumstances unrelated to medical appointments. Repeated tardiness may result in:
Parent notification.
An attendance conference
An Attendance Action Plan; and
Other interventions that are deemed appropriate by the administration.
Students arriving late may be required to complete any missed instructional work in accordance with the Make-Up Work Policy. Please note the following:
· -Students must be signed in to school by no later than 10:30am on a full instructional day or 9:30am on an early release day to be considered present for the instructional day (and for a portion of core learning instruction time).
· -Students that come to school at the start of the instructional day (8:35am) must stay until 11:30am (through core learning instruction time) on a full instructional day or 10:30am on an early release day to be considered present for the instructional day.
Make-Up Work Policy: Students who are absent from school, whether the absence is excused or unexcused, are expected to complete all missed tests, quizzes, assignments, projects, and other required coursework.
Students returning from an excused absence are generally allowed one (1) instructional day to complete make-up work for each day of excused absence, unless otherwise determined by the teacher or administration. In extenuating circumstances, additional time may be granted at the discretion of the teacher or school administration.
Students returning from an unexcused absence are also expected to complete all missed work. However, the amount of academic credit awarded for work missed during an unexcused absence is at the discretion of the teacher and administration.
Students who fail or refuse to complete assigned make-up work within the required timeframe may receive a grade of zero (0) for the assignment(s), unless otherwise approved by the administration.
The administration reserves the right to make the final determination regarding make-up work requirements and the amount of academic credit awarded.
Distribution of Missed Work: Unless otherwise approved by the administration, missed assignments will be provided after the student returns to school. Exceptions may be made for:
Approved pre-planned absences.
Students with an approved Medical Exemption for Chronic Absenteeism.
Students with an approved Health Leave for Chronic Absenteeism.
Parents requesting assignments before a planned absence must provide at least one (1) weeks’ notice, excluding weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
(See Medical Exemption for Chronic Absenteeism and Health Leave for Chronic Absenteeism for additional information.)
Holistic Learning Activities: Faith Holistic Academy’s holistic curriculum emphasizes hands-on, collaborative, and experiential learning. Because many classroom activities involve direct instruction, group participation, outdoor learning, laboratories, discussions, or other interactive experiences, some instructional activities cannot be replicated at home. When appropriate, teachers may assign an alternative assignment that addresses the same instructional objectives; however, an alternative assignment may not always be possible.
For this reason, parents are strongly encouraged to schedule family vacations, appointments, and other non-essential absences during school holidays, breaks, or early-release days whenever possible.
Extended Parent/Guardian Absence: If a parent or legal guardian will be away from the home for an extended period of time while their child remains enrolled at Faith Holistic Academy, the parent/guardian is responsible for updating the school's emergency contact and caregiver information. Updated information must be submitted through the Student Inquiry Form on the Parent Portal within three (3) instructional days of the parent's/guardian's departure or as soon as the absence is known.
The information provided must include:
The anticipated dates of the parent/guardian's absence.
The name of the adult responsible for the student's care during the absence.
The responsible adult's relationship to the student.
Current telephone number(s) and emergency contact information; and
Any temporary changes to student pick-up authorization, if applicable.
Parents/guardians remain responsible for ensuring that the school has accurate and current emergency contact information at all times.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Is my child required to do make-up work when he/she is absent? A: Yes. Students are expected to complete all missed assignments, tests, quizzes, projects, and other required coursework. (see Make Up Policy section for more information).
Q. What if my student will be absent for semester exams? A: Semester exams may be given early at the teacher’s discretion. It is not guaranteed. Semester exams are not given late unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by administration.
Q: What is an unexcused absence? A: Anything that does not meet the criteria of an excused absence (see our Excused Absences section regarding what we consider an excused absence) is considered unexcused. Examples include unapproved family trips, oversleeping, the student doesn’t want to come to class, family is in town, or anything else not on our list.
Q: May a student leave early? A: Students are expected to be in classes for the full instructional day. If a student misses more than a 1/2 day of instruction (leaves before 11:30am), the child will be marked absent for the entire day, unless the absence is excused. Excuses for early dismissal follow the same guidelines as excused absences. If a student habitually leaves early, this could be a reason for academic probation. If your child leaves early too many days, we reserve the right to unenroll and/or hold your child back in the same grade.
Q: Can a student be expelled for excessive absences or tardies or not be offered a spot for the upcoming instructional year? A. Yes, students that are excessively absent or tardy can be expelled and/or not offered a spot in the upcoming instructional year. Of additional note, the school reserves the right to unenroll a student after 10 consecutive days of being absent.
Q: Why are you open if Marion County Public Schools close due to inclement (bad) weather? A. Marion County Public Schools utilizes many schools for shelters. Since we do not use our building for shelter, we may open at times when Marion County Public Schools do not. If it is safe to travel to us, we prefer your child to be in attendance (even if Marion County Public Schools is closed due to inclement weather) but will excuse your absence as a courtesy if you feel it is necessary to keep your child home.
Q. Why don't you follow the Marion County Public Schools instructional calendar? A. We are not required to follow Marion County's instructional calendar, so our calendar is made to best serve the needs of our students & staff. Ensure you have an updated copy of our instructional calendar close by, or you can find the most up to date copy on our Parent Portal. You, as a parent/guardian, are required to keep a copy of our updated calendar and ensure that your child is present for the minimum number of required instructional days.
Q: Why are your policies so strict? A. We are required by Florida statute to adhere to strict policies to ensure students receive the minimum instructional days required.