Absence and Tardies

At the Waldorf School of DuPage, we believe that a consistent, full-day presence is essential to your child’s learning, social development, and sense of belonging. Each part of the school day—from morning lesson to afternoon activities—plays a vital role in supporting the rhythm, continuity, and connection that are foundational to Waldorf education. While we understand that occasional absences and late arrivals are sometimes unavoidable due to illness or family needs, we encourage families to prioritize timely, full-day attendance whenever possible to help children feel grounded, engaged, and supported in their classroom communities.

School Hours

Our school hours are listed below. To help your child begin their day feeling calm and prepared, we kindly ask that they arrive 10–15 minutes before the start of instruction. This allows time to settle in, connect with their surroundings, and get ready for a smooth, focused start to the day.

  • Early Childhood Half Day: 8:15-12:15

  • Early Childhood/Kindergarten Full Day:8:15-2:50

  • Grades: 8:00-2:50

What to Do When Your Child Is Feeling Ill

At the Waldorf School of DuPage, your child’s health—and the health of our entire school community—is a top priority. If your child is feeling unwell, please follow the steps below to ensure a safe and thoughtful approach to returning to school:

  • Each morning your child will be absent, please complete our Online Absence Form by 7:30 AM. Be sure to include the reason for the absence and any symptoms your child is experiencing.

  • If you're unsure whether your child is well enough to attend school, we encourage you to err on the side of caution and allow them to rest at home. A child who is ill or overly tired may not be able to fully participate in daily activities and may risk spreading illness to others.

    Per our Parent Handbook, please keep your child home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

    • Fever of 100°F or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning)

    • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (must be symptom-free for 24 hours)

    • Acute cold with coughing, sneezing, or runny nose

    • Sore throat and/or swollen glands

    • Persistent cough or earache

    • Headache, listlessness, weakness, or chills

    • Red, puffy, or discharging eyes or aversion to light

    • Chickenpox, measles, mumps, or other contagious conditions (marks must be dry and closed before returning)

    • Head lice, scabies, or contagious rashes (child must be cleared by a doctor or school staff before returning, with a re-check after 10 days)

    • A positive test for COVID-19, flu, or other communicable illness

    If a doctor’s clearance is required, please provide documentation before your child returns to school.

  • If you're still unsure or your child seems borderline ill, we kindly ask that you keep them home for rest and observation. This helps protect the well-being of all students and staff.