Chronic absenteeism in schools is a public health concern and can lead to deeper health-related issues. Not only is a child at risk of falling behind in academic attainment and school engagement, but chronic absenteeism has been cited as a risk factor in school dropout rates, which in turn leads to increased long-term health problems, including substance abuse.

Chronic absenteeism, defined as a student missing 10 percent of more of the 180-day school year, skyrocketed with the pandemic and has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The reasons vary but among the factors cited in chronic absenteeism are illness, as well as mental health impacts from the pandemic; injury; disability; food and housing insecurity; lack of healthcare access; and bullying, all public health issues. Risk for some illnesses, such as asthma and diabetes, and injuries such as those received from abuse, are often, though certainly not always or only, related to income levels.

In addition, chronic absenteeism can indicate health issues with other members of a family, not just the student. For example, in areas where transportation is not available and the student relies on a parent to take them to school, a parent might be sick and unable to bring the student to school. Or a long-term illness might require the child to stay home and care for the parent or younger siblings.

If your child is missing school because of physical or mental health issues affecting him or her or a member of your family, please reach out to the main office.