Attendance is more than just a daily headcount. It’s a powerful predictor of student success. Unfortunately, since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism has surged to crisis levels, nearly doubling in many schools. While there have been signs of improvement, absence rates remain high, especially in high-poverty districts and among students of color. Each missed day of school is more than a lost lesson; it is a missed opportunity to learn, to connect with peers, and to build the skills students need for the classroom and their future careers.
Student attendance rates not only play a significant role in student achievement but also have an impact on school funding. When there are fewer students in classrooms, it often means fewer resources for programs, teachers, and critical support. This is why addressing chronic absenteeism requires schools and families to work together, to break down barriers and create supportive strategies to ensure students show up ready to learn.
Why Attendance Has Been a Struggle
The pandemic magnified barriers to attendance. Families faced transportation challenges, health concerns, and economic pressures that made daily school attendance difficult. As a result of the remote learning during the pandemic, students developed new habits that made it hard for them to re-engage with in-person instruction. While these post-pandemic challenges are real, research shows that families still deeply value in-person learning, and they want strong, trusting partnerships with schools that support their children’s well-being.
What Parents and Families Can Do
The good news is that there are practical steps families can take right now to help turn the tide:
- Build routines at home. Setting consistent bedtimes, wake-up times, and morning routines helps students be ready for school every day.
- Communicate with your child’s school. If barriers such as transportation, health, or safety are affecting attendance, let your school know. Oftentimes schools can connect families with resources.
- Emphasize the value of attendance. Talk to your child about why showing up matters—not just for grades, but for friendships, opportunities, and their future.
- Partner with teachers. Ask teachers about what your child is learning and how regular attendance supports their progress. This builds trust and helps you stay informed.
- Tap into community resources. Local organizations, faith groups, and social services often provide support with childcare, meals, or transportation that make attendance more manageable.
Everyday counts. When students attend school consistently, they do more than keep up with their academics. They develop the confidence and social-emotional skills that prepare them for college, careers, and real-world challenges. Working together—families, schools, and communities—we can ensure that students not only attend school consistently but thrive while they are there. By encouraging them to show up today, we are laying the foundation for brighter futures tomorrow.