What it's Based On
Daily Attendance Records
(Pre-K to grade 12)
Whether students are marked as present or absent each day.
18+ Days Missed Per Year
Missing about 2 days each month (18+ days in a year) counts as chronic absence.
Why This Matters
Regular attendance is critical for learning. Students who miss too much school are more likely to fall behind in reading, have lower grades, and may be less likely to graduate.
- In Pre-K and early grades, chronic absence predicts future attendance problems.
- By 6th grade, it is one of three early signs a student may drop out later.
- By 9th grade, attendance is an even stronger predictor of graduation than 8th grade test scores.
What It Can & Cannot Tell You
It Can Tell You:
- Can show if large groups of students are missing too much school.
- Can highlight schools or grade levels where extra support may be needed.
It Cannot Tell You:
- Cannot explain why students are absent (health, transportation, safety, family needs).
- Is not the same as chronic truancy — this measure includes excused absences.
- High schools often have higher absence rates than elementary schools, so comparisons should be made at the school vs. network level, not school vs. district.
Chronic Absence Rate
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate -
*Retired Category
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate -
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - All Students
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Economic Disadvantage
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-Economic Disadvantage
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - English Learner
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-English Learner
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Female
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Male
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-Binary
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - IEP
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-IEP
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Asian
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Asian/Pacific Islander*
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Black/African American
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Latinx
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Multiracial
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Native American
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Not Listed
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - White
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-Temporary Living Situation
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Temporary Living Situation
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - All Students
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Economic Disadvantage
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-Economic Disadvantage
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - English Learner
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-English Learner
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Female
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Male
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-Binary
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - IEP
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-IEP
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Asian
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Asian/Pacific Islander*
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Black/African American
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Latinx
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Multiracial
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Native American
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Not Listed
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - White
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Non-Temporary Living Situation
SHIELDS - Chronic Absence Rate - Temporary Living Situation
Transparency Committee Reviewed Questions You May Ask the School
- What supports are available if students struggle with attendance?
- How does the school track and share attendance patterns with families?
- What steps is the school taking to remove barriers that keep students from attending regularly?