Compulsory attendance at school is a long-standing state policy and has been upheld by the courts of New Jersey and the U.S. Supreme Court as a matter of public concern and legislative regulation.

The Lenape District Board of Education has an obligation to require that the students be present in school in order that they may be taught. This policy is for the benefit of the students, their parents, and the community at large.

The length of the academic year is generally limited to 180-182 days for students. The curriculum is designed to achieve a maximum educational effect within the limited number of school days. Therefore, any absence from school jeopardizes the ability of a student to complete the prescribed course of study satisfactorily. Maximum attendance is a prescribed condition upon which all courses of study are based.

Documentation should be submitted immediately following an absence. Absence from school jeopardizes the ability of a pupil to satisfactorily complete the prescribed course of study and violates the statues requiring children to regularly attend school (NJSA 18a-38:25). Credit will not be granted for courses passed if a student's unexcused absences exteed nine (9) days in a school year subject to Section G (Appeals) and Section I (Credit Completion Program) of Board Regulation #5200-Pupil Attendance. No-credit status is a temporary condition predicated upon the attendance of the pupil. If extenuating circumstances exist for reasons of sickness or hardship, an attendance appeals committee may be petitioned by parents/guardians concerning no-credit status. The attendance appeals committee meets at the end of each semester. Otherwise, students who miss more than four unexcused days in a semester or nine unexcused days in a school year; may register to complete the course requirements for classes successfully passed in a credit completion program offered during the summer. Students absent more than 45 unexcused days are not eligible for credit completion.

A complete list of the attendance policy regulations appears in the District student handbook and is available in the main offices of the high schools.