The School Code of Illinois recognizes illness, death in the immediate family, family emergencies and situations beyond the control of the student to be valid cause for missing school. Parents need to seriously consider whether or not the reason for the student missing instructional time is sufficient to warrant the absence. Parents are responsible for notifying the school according to the absence procedure when a student will be absent. Such notification should occur the day of the absence. If the number of absences becomes excessive, the parents must provide documentation of reason.  There are three categories of student absence at Lake Forest High School:

1. Excused (E) absences for the following reasons:
(a) Illness
(b) Family emergency
(c) Death in the family
(d) Religious holidays
(e) Situations beyond the control of the student as determined by school officials

2. School related (S) absences for the following reasons:
(a) College visits
(b) School suspensions
(c) Field trips
(d) Athletic contest/ tournaments
(e) Pre-arranged appointments with staff members (counselors, psychologist, social worker)

3. Unexcused (U) absences:
Any absence not authorized or school related will be considered an unexcused absence for the student. The absence will also be considered Unexcused if a parent phone call or note is not received within 24 hours of the absence. Schoolwork missed because of an unexcused  absence may not be made up.  Documentation will be required if absences become excessive. Excessive absences without proper documentation may be considered unexcused and will be subject to the unexcused absence policy.