An unexcused absence in school is an absence that is not authorized or approved by the school or the parent/guardian. According to Arizona state law, a truant is a child who is between six and sixteen years of age and who is not in attendance at a public or private school during the hours that school is in session, unless excused as provided by law. An absence is considered unexcused if it is not due to any of the following reasons:

• Illness
• Doctor appointment
• Bereavement
• Family emergencies
• Out-of-school suspensions not to exceed 10% of the instructional days scheduled for the school year

If an absence occurs relating to any other term or condition that is not specifically designated as an excused absence, the absence shall be counted as unexcused. Students absent for at least one class period during the day without an excuse are considered truant. A child who is habitually truant or who has excessive absences may be determined by the juvenile court to be an "incorrigible child". Absences may be considered excessive when the number of absent days exceeds ten percent of the number of required attendance days prescribed by law.