In an effort to encourage consistent attendance, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) implemented a new final exam exemption policy for the 2024-2025 school year. Under the policy, high school students may be exempt from final exams in courses that do not have a state-required or End-of-Course (EOC) assessment—as long as they meet certain attendance criteria.
What is the 18-absence policy?
To qualify for an exemption, a student must have no more than 18 absences—excused or unexcused—in a course by May 23, 2025, which is the final day attendance will count toward exemption eligibility. This equates to meeting the district’s 90% attendance requirement.
Only absences due to school-sponsored field trips, school-approved activities, or religious holidays are excluded from the total. All other absences—including those due to illness or injury—are counted unless a formal exemption is granted.
Final grades and optional participation
If a student qualifies for an exemption but chooses to take the final exam, the test will count for 20% of the final grade, and the student will not be held harmless. In other words, a poor exam performance can lower a student’s grade.
Otherwise, the student’s final course grade will be based on the average of their quarterly grades.
Medical hardship exemptions
Students who faced significant, documented medical issues that have impacted attendance were eligible for a Medical Hardship Exemption. The request, including supporting documentation, was due in early May. The Secondary Review Committee, composed of high school principals across the district, will evaluate the applications.
Key dates to know
- Exemption Qualification Deadline: May 23, 2025
- Students Notified of Exemption Status By: May 28, 2025
- Final Exam Window: May 30 – June 12, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 18 absences the maximum allowed?
Yes. Students who have 18 or fewer absences in a class are still eligible for an exemption. Accruing a 19th absence would disqualify them.
Do AP exam absences count?
It depends. To receive an excused absence for missing class before or after an AP exam, a parent or guardian must complete the AP Exam Attendance Form. Without it, any missed classes will be counted toward the 18.
What about religious holidays not listed on the school calendar?
All religious holidays are exempt. To have one recorded correctly, a parent or guardian should email the school’s attendance office. “Within PowerSchool, there are several different codes that are used when students are absent, and religious observance is one of the options,” assistant principal Allison Scercy said.
Can taking a final I’m exempt from hurt my grade?
Yes. Once you opt to take the exam, the exemption no longer applies. The result—good or bad—will be factored into your final course grade.
Do sick days or injuries count against me?
Yes, unless the student has submitted and received approval for a Medical Hardship Exemption. Without that documentation, any illness-related absences are included in the 18.
Student reactions mixed
Students have expressed a range of opinions about the new rule. Some appreciate the incentive to attend class, while others feel conflicted about skipping a test they’ve prepared for all year.
“It feels wrong to avoid taking the exam that teachers prepare you for all year. In most cases, it feels like the learning was for nothing,” junior Noah Staley said.
Others welcome the flexibility. “I’ve only taken breaks when really necessary and only have seven absences,” senior Kayla Poellot said, “but it does give me peace of mind that I can skip the final exams.”
