Every Day Matters

Chronic absence is a national crisis. When schools, communities and families work together, students succeed. Find tips on this page to improve your child's attendance.

Chronic Absence

"Across the country, more than 8 million students are missing so many days of school that they are academically at risk. Chronic absence — missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason—excused, unexcused absences and suspensions, can translate into third-graders unable to master reading, sixth-graders failing subjects and ninth-graders dropping out of high school."  — Attendance Works

Tips to Improve Your Child's Attendance

• Set a regular bed time and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and backpacks the night before.
• Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required immunization shots.
• Introduce your child to her teachers and classmates before school starts to help them with transitions.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• Volunteer at your child's school, and get involved.  
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

Attendance Myths

• Only unexcused absences are a problem
• Attendance only matters in older grades
• Missing school every so often does not affect learning

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This page was last updated on: February 12, 2021.