"U.S. Schools Still Grappling with Chronic Absenteeism Six Years After COVID Pandemic Began A disturbing trend continues to plague American education, with nearly a quarter of U.S. children failing to attend school regularly in 2025. While this marks a slight decline from the previous year, the issue remains a pressing concern, with the absentee rate still significantly higher than the pre-pandemic average of around 15 percent. The persistence of chronic absenteeism, which can have long-lasting effects on students' academic and social development, highlights the need for schools and policymakers to address the underlying causes of this issue, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and mental health concerns. As educators and policymakers work to support students and families, the question remains: what can be done to get more students back in the classroom and on the path to academic success?"
Nearly a quarter of U.S. children did not show up for school regularly in 2025, a slight decline from the previous year but still up from about 15 percent before COVID. The post Chronic absenteeism remains high six years after pandemic began appeared first on District Administration.
