Attendance
Regular and on-time attendance is important to students' success at school, starting in pre-K and kindergarten.
Research strongly supports the connection between a student's sense of belonging, academic achievement and attendance.
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves, as students need time to build relationships with their teachers and fellow students. Developing the habits of good attendance and punctuality will set up students for success both in school and beyond.
This information has been compiled with the help of Attendance Works, a national nonprofit initiative dedicated to improving attendance and reducing chronic absence in schools through data-driven solutions.
Fast Facts
Consistent attendance creates a stronger sense of belonging for students. On top of missing academic lessons, absent students miss out on opportunities to develop socially and gain skills in problem-solving and autonomy.
Students who miss 10% of the school year, just two days per month, are less likely to:
- Read proficiently by third grade
- Achieve in middle school
- Graduate from high school
Arriving late or leaving early during the school day can still impact a student's learning. If your child misses 10 minutes per day, that equals 50 minutes per week, adding up to a week and a half of missed class every year.
Debunking Common Attendance Myths
- Attendance is mostly important for higher grade levels.
- Missing school two or three days a month is not a big deal.
- As long as the absence is excused, it’s ok.
- Absent students can always do makeup work and be just fine.
Attendance is mostly important for higher grade levels.
Missing school two or three days a month is not a big deal.
As long as the absence is excused, it’s ok.
Absent students can always do makeup work and be just fine.
How You Can Help
Elementary Families
In elementary school, parents/guardians play a key role in reinforcing good attendance and punctuality habits.
- Introduce your kids to their teachers and classmates before school starts.
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before school.
- Develop contingency plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor or another parent.
- Schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school isn't in session.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to their teacher, counselor or principal about how to make them feel more comfortable and excited about learning.
- Schedule appointments before or after school hours whenever possible.
- Plan family vacations during scheduled school breaks.
Secondary families
Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students access learning opportunities and understand why attendance is so important for success in school.
- Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.
- Help your student maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night's sleep.
- Ask your student if they feel engaged in their classes and if they feel safe and welcome at school.
- If your child has anxiety about going to school, discuss possible options with their teacher, counselor or principal.
- Encourage your student to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.
- Schedule appointments before or after school hours whenever possible.
- Plan family vacations during scheduled school breaks.
Attendance Works. (n.d.). Attendance Works. Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.attendanceworks.org/