by Ben Brown (Posted on February 24, 2026 @ 8:19 a.m.)

Picture having to come to school after regular hours and on weekends just to make up for the days you missed. This is what actually happens to students who have too many absences. It doesn’t matter if you were sick with the flu, went on a family vacation, or had to deal with a family emergency; you still have to put in those extra hours. These makeup sessions cut into your free time, weekends, and after-school activities. You might miss hanging out with friends, playing sports, or just relaxing at home.

Background Information on Seat Time

Seat time at Alamo Heights Junior School was not created by the school itself, but by the state. As Miss Aguirre explained, “Actually, it’s not created by us. The state allows a total of 18 absences through the school year, whether it’s excused or unexcused.” The state also requires students to attend class at least 90% of the time in order to receive credit. To make this easier to manage, the school breaks the 18 absences into two semesters, with “9 absences from August to December and 9 from January through May.” If a student goes over those absences or drops below 90% attendance, local district policy requires them to make up that seat time. This system helps students stay in compliance with state rules and gives them a chance to complete missed work so they can still pass their classes.

From a student perspective, seat time can feel like both a consequence and a second chance. While some students may not like having to stay after school or give up extra time, the policy helps them stay on track. Miss Aguirre explained that for some students, “it’s twofold; for some students, yes, it has improved because they realize that even though they’re not here, they are having to come to school.” This shows that students begin to understand that attendance matters. Seat time also gives them an opportunity to complete missing work, which can prevent them from failing. Even though there were “mixed feelings and mixed reviews” when the policy was first put in place, many students benefit from the extra time to improve their grades and stay eligible for high school credit classes.

Another important way seat time affects students is by teaching responsibility. Instead of just ignoring missed days, students have to make up the time they were absent. Miss Aguirre explained, “It teaches responsibility,” and compared it to having a job: “In the real world, if you have a job and you don’t go to work, you might not get paid. So it’s the same thing here.” This shows students that attendance is not just about following rules, but about preparing for the future. By making up seat time, students learn that their choices have consequences and that being present is important for success both in school and in life.

In conclusion, seat time plays an important role at Alamo Heights Junior School by helping students stay on track with attendance and academics. While there were “mixed feelings and mixed reviews” when the policy was first introduced, it has helped many students stay in compliance with the state’s 90% attendance requirement and earn credit for their classes. Seat time not only gives students a chance to complete missing work, but it also teaches responsibility and prepares them for real-world expectations. From a student perspective, it may not always be convenient, but it can make a positive difference in their success both now and in the future.