Chronic absence impacts students’ grades and well-being

By Peighton Kelly

News Reporter

Many students struggle with attending school regularly, and this issue is often referred to as truancy or chronic absence.

Students walk the B100 hallway to their classes. Photo by Jasmine Grant.

Chronic absence means missing a large number of school days over time, which can become a serious problem for students and schools. Missing school too often can make it hard for students to keep up with lessons, assignments, and tests. Over time, this can lower grades and create extra stress as students try to catch up.

“Chronic absence usually affects a student's academic life because they miss lessons and assignments, which can bring down their GPA. For social life, they can miss time with their friends and group work, which can make them feel less connected,” senior Jacob Wells said.

There are many reasons why students skip school or arrive late. Some students deal with stress, family issues, or mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, which makes it difficult to attend regularly. Others might feel tired, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by schoolwork. Certain classes can also affect attendance. Students may be less likely to go to classes they find boring or confusing.

“There are multiple classes I don’t like going to; it’s just boring altogether,” senior Kari Greene said.

School attendance rules are meant to encourage responsibility and ensure that students arrive at school on time. Some students feel these rules are fair because they hold everyone accountable; others think they're unfair because they don’t always account for personal situations, such as illness, family responsibilities, or mental health struggles. 

“I feel like the attendance rules are fair to a certain extent. They’re really strict about sending letters home, but they do it after only like three days, which is unnecessary, and sometimes when you call in for a reasoned absence, they don’t put it in,” senior Laila Anderson said.

Teachers and schools play a key role in helping students attend regularly. By noticing patterns of absence earlier, reaching out to students, and offering support, educators can help students overcome challenges that make it hard for them to attend school. Providing counseling, extra help, ways to make up work, and a welcoming classroom environment can all encourage students to attend school more often.

“Schools and teachers can help by noticing when students are constantly missing and checking in on them regularly. They can also provide extra help and counseling as well,” Wells said.

Attendance is more than just rules; it affects a student's success in school and their social connections. Chronic absence can create both academic and social struggles, but with understanding teachers and helpful resources, students can overcome the challenges that make attendance difficult.