2. Pre-College Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to prioritize attendance at all of their Pre-College classes, lessons, rehearsals, and performances over outside activities. Please limit your absences and avoid scheduling outside events on Saturdays. 

  • Students are allowed two (2) absences per semester. 
  • Students are responsible for submitting an Absence Form at least one week (7 days) in advance of any proposed absence. 
  • Students must notify private teachers and chamber music coaches at least one week (7 days) in advance.
  • Students are expected to consult with each class teacher at least 1 week (7 days) in advance to discuss the content of missed classes and required makeup work.
  • Students must present proper documentation (SAT ticket, doctor’s note) for every absence.
  • Students may not miss class to make up another class or lesson, to attend recitals, or to practice. 
  • If a student has valid reasons for requesting more than two (2) absences, they must submit a Short-Term Leave of Absence Form to request approval from the Dean and Director of Preparatory Division at least six (6) weeks prior. See Short-Term Leave of Absence/Requesting More Than Two Absences below.

Absence Due to Illness or Emergency
In unforeseeable circumstances that cannot be reported in advance, families should submit an absence form, and contact their private teacher and chamber music coach. Proper documentation, such as a doctor’s note, is required for any unexpected absence. Students should not attend school if they are sick. Absences due to illness, with proper documentation, will not affect a student’s grade.

Absence from Lesson or Chamber Music 
Students must contact their major teacher and/or chamber music coach prior to missing a lesson or coaching, even if it is due to a last minute illness or emergency. Lessons may be made up at the availability and discretion of the private teacher.

Absence from Academic Class 
Students are responsible for making up all the work in missed classes such as ear training, theory, and any other academic class. Please contact your teachers for homework and makeup assignments at least 1 week (7days) in advance for intended absences. Some classes can be made up at a different time or in a coaching session; please contact Director of Admissions and Academic Affairs for assistance. Under no circumstances may a student miss class to make up another class or lesson, to attend a recital, or to practice. 

Absence from Orchestra
Attendance at all orchestra rehearsals is expected and no more than two (2) absences are permitted in a concert cycle or a semester. Attendance in orchestra is recorded twice; five (5) minutes prior to the start of rehearsal and again after the break. A student’s seating may be affected or they may be removed from an upcoming concert if they have more than two (2) absences in the concert cycle, excessive lateness, or absences in close proximity to the concert. Attendance at concerts and dress rehearsals is required. Potential conflicts must be avoided and immediately reported to Director of Performance Activities. For more details, please read the Orchestra Attendance Policy.

Absence Due to Solo Recital 
If you are playing your senior or non-senior recital at Juilliard, you are excused from classes and rehearsals for two (2) hours before your recital and one (1) hour after. Please make sure to fill out an Absence Form at least one week in advance for record keeping. 

You may not perform on a student recital (other than your own) which conflicts with a class or rehearsal unless special permission is granted by the Pre-College Administration at least two (2) weeks in advance. 

Absence Due to Chamber Music Concert
If you are participating in a required chamber music concert or studio recital, you are excused for 30 minutes prior to yours or your group’s performance – NOT the start of the entire concert. Please make sure to double check the concert timing and notify your affected teacher(s) at least one week (7 days)  in advance.  

Short-Term Leave of Absence/Requesting More Than Two (2) Absences
Before committing yourself to activities that cause you to miss more than two (2) Pre-College Saturdays in a semester, you must request permission for a Short-Term Leave of Absence from the Dean and Director of Preparatory Division at least six (6) weeks prior. Please only submit a Short-Term Leave Request if you will exceed the two-absence maximum. 

To request a leave, fill out the Short-Term Leave of Absence Form, which will require you to submit documentation from the organization/institution, your own statement of the significance of the activity, and your major teacher’s signature as well as signatures from all classroom faculty. You must be in good standing in all classes to qualify. Approval must be given by the Dean and Director of Preparatory Division.

Each leave request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will consider educational and musical merit as well as academic standing. The following types of activities should take place during your two allowable absences and shouldn’t be used for short-term leave requests:

  • Standardized testing (SAT, PSAT, ACT, TOEFL, HS entrance, etc.)
  • Performance opportunities with other schools and training orchestras (academic school, NYYS, etc.)
  • Music conferences (NYSSMA, etc.)
  •  Academic school activities (sports games, school plays, debate team, science Olympiad, etc.)
  • Family Vacation (invalid reason for any absence; please schedule vacation when we are in recess.)