90 Percent Attendance Rule for Credit
Texas Education Code Section 25.092
Minimum Attendance for Class Credit or Final Grade

What Does the 90 Percent Rule Mean for Your Child?

In addition to Texas compulsory attendance laws, school districts must enforce the 90 percent rule. This means students in kindergarten through 12th grade must attend a class at least 90 percent of the time it is offered in order to receive credit or a final grade. This requirement applies to all students, including those with an IEP or 504 plan.

A typical school year includes 180 instructional days. This means a student may miss no more than 18 days, or parts of days, during the school year or in a specific class. If a campus operates on a semester schedule, that number is reduced to 9 days per semester.

Students who attend at least 75 percent, but less than 90 percent, of the days a class is offered may still earn credit or a final grade by completing a plan approved by the principal. This plan allows the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class.

The 90 percent rule applies to all absences unless the absence is specifically exempt by law, including excused absences.

For elementary students, falling below 90 percent attendance may result in grade retention. For middle school and high school students, it may result in loss of credit for a class, even if the student earned a passing grade.

If Your Child Falls Below 90 Percent Attendance

If a student falls below 90 percent attendance but attends at least 75 percent of the days a class is offered, the student may regain credit by completing a plan approved by the principal or campus attendance review committee.

If a student falls below 75 percent attendance, or does not complete the approved plan, the case will be referred to the Campus Attendance Review Committee. The committee will review attendance, academic performance, and any extenuating circumstances. If appropriate, an individualized plan may be developed to help the student regain credit or a final grade.

A student or parent may appeal the committee’s decision to the campus principal.

Absences Exempt From the 90 Percent Rule

State law allows certain absences to be exempt if required documentation is provided and all assigned work is completed.

All grade levels:

• Religious holy days
• Required court appearances
• Activities related to U.S. citizenship or naturalization
• Service as an election clerk
• Documented health care or mental health appointments for the student (or the student’s child), with documentation provided upon return
• Students in the custody of the state
• Court ordered visitations or activities that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours
• Visits with a parent or guardian called to active duty

Secondary students:

• College visits for juniors and seniors, up to two days
• Activities related to enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces (age 17 or older)
• Serving as a voting or election clerk
• Participation in sounding Taps for military honors
• Visiting a driver’s license office to obtain a permit or license (high school students age 15 or older, one day each)