Missouri – Chronic absenteeism in Missouri public schools has become a serious problem, with about one in five students not attending classes consistently during the 2023–24 academic year. A comprehensive analysis by the Policy Research in Missouri Education (PRiME) Center at St. Louis University reveals this figure, which draws attention to a concerning pattern that has been evolving over the last five years.
Roughly 21.8% of kids statewide were classified as chronically absent—missing at least 10% of school days—according to the PRiME Center’s “Empty Desks: An Analysis of Chronic Absenteeism in Missouri Schools.” This percentage represents an important challenge for student performance and educational results across the state.
The study uncovers a notable difference between urban and rural educational settings. In urban areas of Missouri like Columbia and Jefferson City, the percentage of chronic absenteeism rises to 35.8%, far more than the 15.2% seen in rural areas. This urban-rural gap highlights the different difficulties districts have in handling student attendance.
A closer examination of the data reveals that older students often skip more school than their younger peers. High school students had a chronic absenteeism rate of 22.5% for the 2023–24 school year, compared to 16.7% for elementary and middle school students. This pattern results in concerns about the involvement and educational goals of young people, especially those nearing the end of their K-12 career.
Attendance rates are also significantly affected by economic considerations. Students qualifying for Free and Reduced-Price Lunch (FRL), a frequent symptom of financial hardship, were absent at a rate of 30.7%, well above the state average. About 40% above the average, this figure emphasizes how socioeconomic level affects educational involvement.
The rise in absentee rates is not a recent trend but one that has been growing over time. Nearly 91% of Missouri’s school districts have recorded increases in chronic absenteeism since the pre-pandemic school year of 2018-19, implying that although COVID-19 aggravated the situation, the roots of the problem stretch deeper and earlier.
Read also: Jefferson County and 14 others earn Blue Shield title for public safety leadership
There is a gleam of hope in spite of these obstacles. Though still below historical levels, the analysis highlights a small rise in attendance rates from the 2022-23 to the 2023-24 school year across all groups. This progress suggests possible efficacy of programs meant to lower barriers to attendance.
Dealing with this widespread problem calls for several strategies. The PRiME Center suggests a data-driven approach to find the underlying reasons of absence and to create focused solutions. Creating efficient solutions that handle both the symptoms and the underlying reasons of absenteeism requires cooperative work with local community partners, so guaranteeing that every student has the chance to attend and achieve in school.
Read also: Blue River Biosolids Facility testing signals a new era for Kansas City’s environmental leadership
This holistic approach is essential for reversing the rising tide of absenteeism and fostering an educational environment where every student can thrive.
The report can be seen here.
