There are many factors which impact students’ abilities to learn in school, such as their sleep schedules, attitudes and access to resources. Within the past couple of years, one factor has proved to be very prominent in determining a student’s success in school: their attendance. It is normal to miss a few days of school here and there due to a sickness, sporting event or anything else that would prevent someone from going to school for a day or two. However, when students miss more than 10% of the school year, they are considered chronically absent according to the National Center for Education Statistics, which can have detrimental effects on students in more ways than one.

One of the most common effects of chronic absenteeism is falling behind fellow peers on not only the required coursework, but developmentally as well. Even from as young as the kindergarten-age, missing too much school can set students behind on their learning and development at the moment and for the years to come. In fact, “Children who are chronically absent in preschool, kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the third grade. Students who cannot read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than proficient readers to drop out of high school,” according to the Department of Education.

Unfortunately, just like 16 million other students, some LHS students are chronically absent. These students are more likely to be behind in their classes than their peers, have worse grades and experience more anxiety surrounding school. LHS counselor Jacob McDonald has noticed these traits in many LHS students who consistently miss school. 

“I think [missing school constantly] adds to the anxiety. Anxiety is a big word; I think anxiety can be a very good thing, but in some cases it can elevate to a level where it just makes things harder,” said McDonald. “I think a lot of the times when I’m working with kids who don’t come to school often and it becomes a habit, [anxiety] becomes more and more [prominent in their lives], and then it becomes tougher to go out in public [and] go to school.”

With that being said, going to school every day possible is ideal as the K-12 years make up the time period where kids are able to exponentially mature both mentally and socially. As a high school senior myself, I understand the struggle with motivation towards school especially towards the end of the year. But, being able to overcome the lack of desire to come to school allows students to truly make the most of their education. 

“I think being in school and being present with your surroundings really [allows] you to be successful in a lot of different ways,” said McDonald. “Just being able to communicate with your peers and teachers is a lifelong skill that will allow you to be successful in other venues.”