How K-12 Schools Are Tackling Chronic Absenteeism

The past three years have marked a turning point for student attendance. Districts using SchoolStatus Attend have seen measurable improvements, with chronic absenteeism dropping significantly. But while progress is clear, the path forward requires continued focus—especially for high schoolers, whose attendance rates have slowed.

One standout trend? Middle school attendance has shown steady, promising gains. What’s working in grades 6-8, and how can those strategies be applied elsewhere? With data from over a million students across 143 districts, we’re diving into the key takeaways that K-12 leadership can use to sustain and accelerate improvements.

Attendance is Trending Up—But Gains Are Slowing

The good news: Attendance rates have improved steadily over the three years included in the study. The biggest jump occurred between 2022-23 and 2023-24, with a 1.16% increase in overall attendance and a 21% drop in chronic absenteeism.

However, the latest data from September 2024-January 2025 shows smaller gains compared to the same time period the previous year.

• For PK-12, attendance improved 0.31% and chronic absenteeism decreased 6.38% between 2023-24 and 2024-25
• Early elementary grades are continuing their return to pre-pandemic attendance levels
• High school attendance dropped this year, though rates are still better than 2022-23, signaling a need for targeted interventions

What’s Working in Middle Schools?

Middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are seeing steady attendance improvements, surpassing expectations. Chronic absenteeism in these grades has dropped by 14-16% since 2022-23, and the trend continues into 2024-25.

What’s driving their success?

• Consistent engagement strategies: Schools are keeping students connected through structured interventions and proactive communication
• Better family outreach: Attendance teams are using data-driven alerts to notify families early and prevent chronic absenteeism
• Proactive support systems: Middle schools are identifying at-risk students sooner and providing targeted resources

With Grade 6 maintaining a 94% attendance rate, middle schools show that consistent engagement strategies drive real, sustained improvement.

High Schools: Building on What Works

Grades 10-12 may be plateauing, with some declines in attendance this year. Since these students were in middle school during the pandemic, it’s possible their disrupted attendance habits have become ingrained.

The transition to high school is critical—and an opportunity to scale successful middle school strategies. Districts that have real-time attendance data, strong family communication frameworks, and intervention models in place can adapt their approaches for older students.

Collaboration is key: High schools should work closely with district middle schools to ensure a seamless transition for both students and families. This includes maintaining structured interventions, proactive outreach, and consistent attendance messaging across grade levels.

Other factors high schools should consider:

• Stronger engagement efforts: Personalized interventions (mentorship programs, attendance coaching, real-time academic tracking) can reinforce attendance as a priority
• Family and community partnerships: Absenteeism is often linked to external challenges. Schools must partner with families, social services, and community organizations to break attendance barriers

Key Takeaways for District Leaders

Use Data to Drive Grade-Specific Strategies

While different grade levels require different approaches, high schools can benefit from stronger collaboration with middle schools to ensure a seamless transition and sustained attendance habits.

Sustain Progress Amid Slowing Gains

Early improvements were significant, but attendance rates are leveling off. Maintaining consistent interventions will be key to preventing backslides.

Reengage High Schoolers Before Absenteeism Becomes Permanent

Chronic absenteeism has already become a systemic challenge for older students. Without targeted interventions, these patterns risk becoming entrenched beyond high school.

Keep Early Gains from Slipping in Elementary Schools

Early grades are making the strongest recovery, moving closer to pre-pandemic attendance levels. To sustain this progress, districts should continue strengthening family engagement and early intervention efforts to prevent absenteeism patterns from forming in the first place.

SchoolStatus Attend empowers districts with the insights and tools needed to turn data into action. Want to explore how your district can continue reducing chronic absenteeism? Let’s talk.