Attendance

How to Report an Absence

Regular attendance is essential to your child’s success at school. If your child will be absent, please notify us as soon as possible using one of the following methods:

Report via:

  • ParentVUE (Preferred method)
  • Call the Front Office: 602-896-2900

Include the following when reporting:

  • Your full name
  • Your student’s full name
  • The reason for the absence

Important Timeframes:

  • DHPA families: Report by 8:00 AM
  • DHCS families: Report by 8:30 AM

Absences reported after these times or not reported at all will result in follow-up communication being sent home.

 Monitor Your Child’s Attendance

Parents and guardians are encouraged to regularly review their child’s attendance in ParentVUE.

  • All absences, tardies, and early dismissals—whether excused or unexcused—count toward a student’s attendance.
  • High school students must maintain 90% attendance per course to earn credit. Schedules may be adjusted for students who fall below this requirement.

 Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

Under A.R.S. § 15-901(A)(1) and DHCS policy, the following qualify as excused absences:

Per State Law:

  • Illness
  • Medical appointment
  • Mental/behavioral health
  • Homelessness
  • Bereavement
  • Family emergency
  • Military processing
  • Out-of-school suspension

Per DHCS Policy (with timely parent notification):

  • Family vacation
  • Religious holidays or instruction (may not exceed one school week)

Important: Absences for reasons not listed above will be considered unexcused. Students absent 10 consecutive school days (excluding excused absences) will be withdrawn per A.R.S. § 15-901(A).

High School Attendance Policy

Attendance is tracked by class period in grades 9–12. Here’s what high school families should know:

  • Students must attend 90% of scheduled class sessions to earn credit.
  • If a student reaches 10 absences in any course, they will automatically lose credit for that class.
  • Students with unsatisfactory attendance may:
    • Be scheduled for a conference
    • Be placed on academic or attendance probation

Attendance Letters

To ensure families stay informed, we send automated attendance letters when students reach specific thresholds.

  • Letters are emailed to the parent/guardian on file.
  • You can also view attendance letters anytime in ParentVUE.

Commitment to Excellence (CTE) Attendance Plan

To promote student success and support consistent attendance, Desert Heights has implemented a Commitment to Excellence (CTE) Attendance Plan. This plan outlines the steps our school takes when attendance concerns arise and reinforces our shared responsibility in keeping students on track academically.

View the Commitment to Excellence (CTE) Plan here. 

For questions regarding the CTE Attendance Plan or your student’s attendance status, please contact the front office or your campus administrator.

Truancy & the C.U.T.S. Programs

Desert Heights participates in the C.U.T.S. Truancy Program in partnership with Maricopa County Juvenile Court.

Definitions (per A.R.S. § 15-803):

  • Truant: 1+ unexcused absences in a school day
  • Habitually truant: 5+ unexcused absences in a school year
  • Excessive absences: Missing 10% or more of school days

C.U.T.S. Lite – Early Intervention

This optional program supports families before truancy becomes a citation.

  • Includes a conference with parents, student, school staff, and a probation officer
  • Focuses on education, resources, and problem-solving
  • Recommended for excessive absences due to parenting challenges

 C.U.T.S. – Court-Based Truancy Program

Families may be referred to Juvenile Court if a student has:

  • 5+ unexcused absences, or
  • 19+ total absences (excused or unexcused)

What to expect:

  • Hearings held at Juvenile Court Center
  • Parents/guardians must attend

Possible consequences:

  • Education classes
  • Community service
  • Counseling
  • $50 Diversion fee
  • License suspension or delay
  • Formal court proceedings

Questions about C.U.T.S.? Email our C.U.T.S. Coordinator

Arizona State Law on Attendance

Arizona law requires that all children ages 6 to 16 attend school full-time unless legally excused.

 Click here to read A.R.S. § 15-802 in full