Illinois law defines “chronic absentee” as a student who misses 10 percent of school days within an academic year with or without a valid excuse. That's 18 days of an average 180-day school year. Excused absences include illness, suspension, need to care for a family member, etc.

Notification of Unexcused Absences Schools must send a letter notifying a student's family of 5 unexcused absences, and, subsequently, 10 unexcused absences.

The truancy policy applies to all students regardless of age. The State of Illinois defines a chronic truant as a child who is absent without valid cause for 5% out of 180 consecutive days. Students under the age of 17 in this category will be reported to the county truant officer.

After the 9th school day (5% of regular attendance days) on which a student is absent without valid cause, he/she is deemed to be truant under Illinois law.

Did you know that if your child has too many unexcused absences, you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a monetary fine? In July 2012, the truancy law in Illinois became much stricter. A child enrolled in school can miss no more than 5% of the school year.

I am writing to inform you that my child, [Your Child's Name], in [Grade/Class], will be absent from school on [Date(s)] due to [reason for absence]. We kindly request that you mark this absence as excused. [Your Child's Name] will promptly make up any missed assignments and catch up on lessons.

Parents/guardians may be notified following 3, 5, and 9 days of absence or tardies within a school year, and a school intervention may be initiated. After the 9th school day (5% of regular attendance days) on which a student is absent without valid cause, he/she is deemed to be truant under Illinois law.