Which of the following best defines a truant?

• A. A child from 6 to under 18 who is on the street during school hours and absent without permission
• B. A student who is late once
• C. A student who skips class with prior permission
• D. A student who completes all assignments on time

Answer: (A)

Truancy means a student who is supposed to be in school is not in class during its hours and has no approved reason. The option that fits this best describes a child aged 6 to under 18 who is on the street during school hours and absent without permission. That combination—being out during school hours and lacking permission—clearly signals truancy, whereas being late once is just a momentary delay, not an absence; skipping class with prior permission is an authorized absence; and finishing all assignments on time shows attendance and engagement, not truancy.