Attendance Matters

In California, public school districts receive state funding based on the number of students present in class — not on enrollment numbers. This means no funding is received for absences, whether excused or unexcused.

To support student success and maintain essential funding, Fountain Valley School District encourages:

• Ensuring your child attends school regularly.
• Scheduling medical or other appointments outside of school hours when possible.
• Avoiding travel or planned absences during the school year.

The school calendar aligns with traditional holidays to help families plan vacations without missing school days.

Absence Procedures

When a student is absent:

• Provide a written excuse or call the school office upon their return.
• Valid excused absences include:
  • Illness
  • Doctor or dental appointments
  • Family emergencies (e.g., the funeral of an immediate family member)

Note: Please do not send your child to school if they are feeling unwell.

If a written excuse or phone call is not provided, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. For more information, refer to the Truancies section.

Arrival and Dismissal Guidelines

• Students should arrive no more than 15 minutes before the school day starts unless attending scheduled activities or meetings.
• After dismissal, students should leave promptly unless staying for an immediate meeting or activity.
• Schools cannot provide supervision outside designated arrival and dismissal times.

Leaving School During the Day

If a child needs to leave early:

• Parents or guardians must sign the child out at the school office.
• Only adults listed as emergency contacts in Aeries can sign out a student.
• Bring a photo ID for verification.

Tardiness

Students must arrive on time. If late, they need a written excuse from a parent or guardian.

Frequent tardiness without a valid excuse is considered truancy. 

Truancies

A student is considered truant if they:

• Are tardy three times for more than 30 minutes each time.
• Miss a full school day without a valid excuse.

Excessive truancies may lead to a referral to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Unexcused Absences

Absences that do not meet the criteria for excused absences under the California Education Code are considered unexcused.

Valid Excused Absences

• Illness or medical/dental appointments (a doctor’s note may be required).
• Funeral of an immediate family member.
• Personal reasons approved in writing in advance by the principal or designee.

For any questions or more information, please contact your school's office.