How Many Days Can a Child Miss School in Louisiana? State Law Explained

We often talk about the importance of education for our kids, but a recent arrest by the Shreveport Police Department is a stark reminder that getting your children to school isn't just a suggestion, it’s a legal requirement.

If you think your family could never be involved in a truancy case, it’s time to look at the numbers.

On April 28, 2026, Shreveport Police arrested Shantanell Page following an investigation into a 10-year-old child who had been habitually absent.

According to SPD and Caddo Parish School officials, the child had missed more than 65 days of school this year alone. Despite multiple attempts by the district to intervene, no valid justification was provided for the excessive absences. Page now faces a charge of Improper Supervision of a Child, her second such arrest in 2026, along with a charge of Resisting an Officer.

This isn't just one isolated incident. Louisiana is currently facing a truancy crisis, with absenteeism rates averaging a staggering 42% in recent years. Under Louisiana State Law (R.S. 17 §233), "habitual truancy" is defined as just five unexcused absences or tardy occurrences in a single semester.

The consequences are real. Beyond the educational loss, parents can face fines of up to $500 or even 90 days in jail. The Shreveport Police Department is working hand-in-hand with Caddo Parish Public Schools to hold parents accountable, sending a clear message: "Ensuring children attend school is not optional; it is a responsibility."

Let's work together to keep our kids in class and our families out of the legal system.