The number of tardies a student can have before facing consequences varies by school and district policies, but some common guidelines include:
- At one school, students are allowed 8 unexcused tardies per quarter without penalty. After that, each additional tardy results in detention and possible further disciplinary actions, including fines or school service. Continued tardiness can lead to a discipline board hearing and possible expulsion
- Another school’s policy states that a student who is tardy 6 times in one trimester receives a written warning, 9 times requires a meeting with parents and administrators to develop an action plan, and tardiness beyond 9 times results in disciplinary actions
- In some districts, 5 unexcused tardies within a nine-week period count as an unexcused absence, with escalating consequences such as in-school suspension and out-of-school suspension for subsequent tardies
- Some schools allow a limited number of tardies per class per term (e.g., 6 tardies/excused absences combined), after which consequences like loss of credit or disciplinary measures may apply
In summary, typical limits range from about 5 to 9 tardies per quarter or trimester before penalties occur, but exact numbers and consequences depend on the local school’s attendance policy. It is best to consult the specific school or district handbook for precise rules.
