Indiana is cracking down on school absenteeism with new laws passed in 2024 and 2025 requiring schools to intervene early when students miss too many days without excuse, according to a report from Indiana Public Radio.
Students who miss five unexcused days within 10 weeks must now be flagged as “absent students.” Schools are required to notify parents, hold a conference, and create an attendance plan. Initially aimed at elementary students, the rules now cover middle and high schoolers.
Truancy charges remain possible for students with 10 or more unexcused absences. Schools must report these cases, but prosecutors decide whether to pursue charges or offer support services like counseling.
Excused absences, such as medical appointments with a doctor’s note, are treated differently and don’t trigger legal action. Definitions of excused absences vary by school district. Some districts may still contact parents after multiple absences—even if they’re excused.
In the 2023-24 school year, nearly 18% of Indiana students were chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% of the school year. Chronic absenteeism includes both excused and unexcused absences.