Students in D.C. are skipping school more than ever. In the 2022-2023 school year, 43% of D.C. public school students were “chronically absent,” meaning they partially or fully missed at least 10% of all school days. These numbers are up there with some of the highest absentee rates in the country, but it’s more complicated than kids ditching class.
Why Are Students Skipping School?
A year before COVID, absenteeism sat at 30% in DCPS. However, the uncertainty and shift to remote learning in 2020 skyrocketed absenteeism to 48%. COVID also took a toll on students’ mental health, with studies showing higher levels of depression and more social, emotional, and behavioral issues. A 2023 study found that anxiety was second only to bad weather as a leading cause of absence.
Poverty, neighborhood violence, and access to childcare, social services, and transportation also affect a student's ability to attend school. Poorer students are more likely to need to work a job or provide childcare, driving low attendance. Asthma, which is more prevalent amongst low-income students of color, is the leading chronic illness causing absenteeism.
DCPS is struggling with empty desks. (martinedoucet/Getty Images)
Long-lasting Implications
The data shows that Black students in D.C. are 10 times more likely to be chronically absent than white students. In a city with one of the highest racial wealth gaps in the country, this distinction is important. Low attendance can also cause a chain reaction of repercussions. For example, chronically absent preschoolers are more likely to read below grade level as they get older, which in turn means they’re more likely to drop out of high school.
What’s the Solution?
There’s no one answer to absenteeism. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education is focusing on expanding mental health services and promoting inclusive learning spaces for students. More staff and better training for educators have also been touted as possible solutions. While absentee numbers are still high, these solutions are showing some promise, with attendance slowly improving over the last year.
