Student Attendance

Compulsory School Attendance & Student Accounting Department/Special Investigations Unit 

At Paterson Public Schools, we believe that every day in school matters. Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in helping your child succeed in school—and it all starts with being present, on time, and ready to learn.

When students attend school regularly, they stay connected to their learning, build strong relationships with teachers and peers, and are more likely to meet academic milestones and graduate on time. Even occasional absences can impact your child’s progress.

Why Attendance Matters:

• Every school day equals approximately 6.5 hours of instruction. When students miss a day, they miss critical time for learning, engaging with teachers, and participating in classroom activities.

• Missing just two days per month can add up to nearly 20 days—or over 130 hours—of missed instruction in a school year.

• Regular attendance builds structure, confidence, and lifelong habits for success in school and beyond.

• Students who attend consistently are more likely to read at grade level and be on track for graduation.

We Understand Life Happens—We’re Here to Help

We know that illness, transportation issues, family responsibilities, or housing challenges can make it difficult for students to attend school consistently. That’s why our district is committed to working with families to overcome these barriers.

If your family is experiencing temporary housing, homelessness, or displacement, our team can provide support and resources under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to help ensure your child continues receiving a stable education. Please click on McKinney Vento Act / McKinney Vento Act for further assistance in that area. 

For assistance or questions about attendance, please contact the:

Compulsory School Attendance and Student Accounting Department
📞 Phone: (973) 321-0687

Let’s work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed—because every day counts, and every day missed is time we can’t get back.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that their children attend school, every day, on time, unless properly excused pursuant to NJ state law (NJSA 18A:38-25) and District Policy 5200.