Attendance Matters: Every School Day Counts

Since the pandemic, school attendance has become a growing concern. National data shows that chronic absenteeism—missing 10% or more of the school year—almost doubled from 8 million students in 2018-19 to 14.7 million in 2021-22. This means one in three students are missing too many school days. While there has been a slight decrease in recent data, chronic absenteeism remains a serious issue.

Why Attendance is Important

Regular school attendance is crucial for a student’s success. Research shows that students who miss a lot of school, starting as early as kindergarten, are less likely to do well in reading, math, and other subjects. Missing school regularly makes it harder to graduate and can impact future opportunities.

School isn’t just about academics—it’s also where students learn social skills, problem-solving, and how to work with others. When students aren’t in school, they miss out on these important life lessons.

The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism doesn’t just affect academic performance—it can also harm a student’s mental and emotional health. Studies show that students who miss school often suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. For some students, absenteeism is linked to trauma, such as family problems or the loss of a loved one.

Everyone Has a Role in Improving Attendance

Improving attendance isn’t just the job of schools. Families, community organizations, and local leaders all play a part in helping students stay in school. When the entire community works together, students have a better chance of succeeding.

Why School Attendance Matters

1. Better Academic Performance
   Students who attend school regularly perform better in school. Missing school, even in the early grades, can hurt future achievement in subjects like reading and math.
2. Higher Graduation Rates
   Regular attendance helps students stay on track to graduate from high school.
3. Better Job Opportunities
   High school graduates tend to earn more money and have more career options than those who drop out.
4. Building Social Skills
   School helps students build relationships and develop essential social skills for life.
5. Avoiding Missed Lessons
   Every day missed is a day of learning that can’t be made up. Missing too many lessons makes it harder to catch up.
6. Mental and Emotional Health
   Chronic absenteeism is linked to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, making it even more important to be in school.

Conclusion: Let’s Work Together

Every school day counts, and regular attendance is key to a student’s success. By working together as a community—families, schools, and leaders—we can reduce absenteeism and give every student the chance to succeed.