Consistent school attendance is a vital part of a student's social, physical and academic growth that culminates in becoming a graduate of Belton Honea-Path High School.   Students who are frequently absent risk falling behind in their academics and missing important socialization opportunities that will better equip them to become productive citizens who can follow rules and directions. Chronic absenteeism, especially truancy, is a behavior that is highly associated with dropping out of school.

SC Compulsory School Attendance Law

All parents or guardians shall cause their children or wards who are in the age group of five to sixteen years, inclusive, to regularly attend a public or private school or kindergarten of this State which has been approved by the State Board of Education or a member school of the South Carolina Independent Schools’ Association or some similar organization, or a parochial, denominational, or church-related school, or other programs which have been approved by the State Board of Education; provided, further, that any parent or guardian which child or ward is not six years of age on or before the first day of September of a particular school year may elect for their child or ward not to attend kindergarten. For this purpose, the parent or guardian must sign a written document making such election with the governing body of the school district wherein the parent or the guardian resides. The form of this written document shall be prescribed by regulation of the Department of Education. Upon such a written election being executed, that child or ward may not be required to attend kindergarten.  By law, students may miss ten (10) days in a yearlong course and five (5) days in a semester.  Parents and guardians should contact your child’s administrator if you have questions about the attendance law.

Compulsory Attendance Law