If you’re planning a move with children, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate—packing, logistics, new housing, and yes, school transitions. One common concern many families have is: How many days can a child legally miss school when moving? It’s a great question—and one with legal and practical implications, especially if you’re moving within or to Arizona.
As your local moving company in Arizona, we’ve helped countless families through relocations big and small. Here’s what you need to know about school absences when moving, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Arizona's Rules on School Absences
In Arizona, public school attendance is mandatory for children aged 6 to 16 under the state’s compulsory education laws. If your child is enrolled in school, they are generally expected to attend unless there’s a valid reason for their absence. While moving is considered a legitimate reason, there are limits.
According to Arizona Revised Statutes §15-803:
- A student is considered truant if they have one unexcused absence.
- If a student has five or more unexcused absences in a school year, they are considered habitually truant, which could lead to legal consequences for the parent or guardian.
- That said, temporary absences due to moving, illness, family emergencies, or other unavoidable circumstances can be excused—as long as the school is notified.
How Many Days Can You Miss for a Move?
There’s no specific number of “moving days” listed in Arizona law, but most school districts allow 3 to 5 excused days for a family relocation. This can vary depending on your district, so it’s important to:
- Communicate with your child’s school as soon as you have a moving date.
- Provide documentation or written notice of your move.
- Ask whether your child’s absence can be marked as “excused” under their policies.
- Make arrangements for homework or remote learning, if applicable.
Some schools may be more flexible if you’re moving within the district versus out of state. In either case, open communication is key.
Tips for Minimizing School Disruption During a Move
- Plan around school breaks: If possible, schedule your move during a holiday or long weekend to avoid unnecessary absences.
- Transfer records early: Get your child’s transcripts, immunization records, and withdrawal paperwork ahead of time so they’re ready to enroll in the new school without delay.
- Coordinate start dates: Reach out to the new school to find out when your child can begin, and aim to keep the gap between schools as short as possible.
- Use moving and storage services: Temporary storage solutions can reduce the chaos during transition periods, especially if your move-in and move-out dates don’t line up perfectly.
Moving with Kids? Pearson Moving Can Help
Relocating is always a big step—but moving with children adds a new layer of complexity. At Pearson Moving, we specialize in family-friendly moving and storage services that take the stress out of the process. Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, our team of professional movers will help you stay on schedule and get settled faster.
Need help with logistics, packing, or short-term storage during your transition? As a trusted moving company in Arizona, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Pearson Moving today for a free quote—and let us help your family move forward, stress-free.
