Ava Bennett
Attendance 2026–27
Home School templates
Free homeschool attendance record template, built with AI
Keep a simple record of school days: a monthly summary that adds up toward your yearly total, plus a daily log with codes for field trips, sick days and holidays. Download the PDF or the editable Word file and update it once a week.
In this guide: Why track attendance · How to use it · What counts as a school day · Record-keeping tips · FAQ
Why track homeschool attendance?
Some states ask homeschooling families to provide a minimum number of school days or hours each year, often around 180 days, and some ask you to keep attendance records. Even where it isn’t required, an attendance log is an easy way to see that the year is on track and to show your homeschool’s records if a school, evaluator or umbrella program asks for them.
Requirements differ by state and change over time, so check your state’s homeschool law or your homeschool association for what applies to you.
How to use this attendance record
- Yearly summary: list the school days you plan for each month, then fill in the days attended and the running total.
- Daily log: mark each weekday with a simple code: P for present, F for a field trip, S for sick, H for a holiday.
- Notes: add field trips, co-op days and make-up plans so you remember what each day involved.
- Signature: sign and date the record at the end of the year and keep it with your other homeschool records.
Know exactly where your school year stands
Monthly totals plus a daily log.
What counts as a homeschool school day?
For most families, any day of planned learning counts: lessons at home, co-op classes, field trips to museums or nature centers, and educational projects. Many families also count partial days and year-round learning. If your state defines a school day by hours, log hours as well as days.
Homeschool record-keeping tips
- Update weekly. Five minutes on Friday is easier than reconstructing a month.
- Plan the year first. Spreading 180 days across your calendar shows early if you are falling behind.
- Keep samples of work alongside attendance in case you need a portfolio.
- Store a copy safely. Keep paper and digital copies for at least a few years.
Pair this with our homeschool report card and plan your days with the homeschool weekly planner.
Homeschool attendance questions
How many days do homeschoolers need to attend?
It depends on your state. Many states that set a minimum use about 180 days, others set hours, and some have no attendance requirement. Check your state homeschool law.
Do field trips count as school days?
In most families’ records, yes. Field trips with a clear learning purpose are usually logged as school days. Note what was learned in the notes column.
Do I need to submit my attendance record?
Usually you only need to keep it, not submit it, but some states or programs ask to see it. Keep a signed copy with your homeschool records.
Can I track hours instead of days?
Yes. Download the Word version and change the column headings to hours if your state counts hours.
Is this homeschool attendance record free?
Yes. Download the PDF or Word file with no signup, no watermark and no paywall.
Can I edit this template in Word or Google Docs?
Yes. Download the Word (.docx) version and edit it in Microsoft Word, or upload it to Google Docs or Apple Pages. The PDF is ready to print and fill in by hand.
