State Attendance Law

Washington State Compulsory School Attendance Law requires parents of children at least eight years old to enroll them in school on a full-time basis or to have an approved home instruction program. In addition, any six or seven-year-old child enrolled in public school is required to attend school. Unless the child under eight years is formally withdrawn, the parent is responsible for the child's attendance.

The school is required to inform the parent of each unexcused absence. After two unexcused absences in a month, the school must request a conference with the parent. The school must also take reasonable steps to eliminate or reduce the absences. After seven unexcused absences in a month or ten unexcused absences in a school year, the school must file a truancy petition against the parent.