Did you know over a quarter-million Colorado students frequently missed school last year? Our latest report dives deep into why attendance hasn’t bounced back since the pandemic. We’re exploring everything from changing societal values to economic pressures impacting families. Are we seeing a fundamental shift in how families view education, or are there deeper societal issues at play?
Colorado faces a significant educational challenge as student absenteeism rates remain stubbornly high, failing to return to pre-pandemic levels five years after the initial disruption. New data reveals that over 244,620 Colorado students missed a substantial amount of school during the 2024-25 academic year, indicating a persistent crisis in student attendance across the state. This trend underscores a critical juncture for Colorado education, demanding focused intervention and support to re-engage young learners.
The data paints a concerning picture: while overall attendance remained relatively flat, the state saw an increase of 3,500 more students classified as chronically absent compared to the previous academic year. Statewide, average daily attendance dipped slightly to 91.4%, with chronic absenteeism rising by less than a percentage point to 28.4%. Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova voiced her concern, stating that “Our overall statewide rates, unfortunately, are moving in the wrong direction of what we hoped to see,” highlighting the urgency of the issue for K-12 schools.
A student is officially considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of the school days in an academic year, regardless of the reason. Delving deeper into the statistics reveals concerning disparities, as attendance rates for most students of color lagged behind the statewide average. Notably, Asian pupils were the only demographic group that did not experience a slight drop in attendance last year, pointing to complex socioeconomic and cultural factors influencing school presence.
Societal shifts significantly influenced post-pandemic learning behaviors and attitudes toward education. Cori Canty, a school improvement and attendance manager, noted that parents are now more inclined to keep children home for minor illnesses, such as a simple cough, than they were before COVID-19. Similarly, the concept of a “mental health day” has become more accepted, with students staying home when grappling with stress or anxiety, reflecting a broader change in family priorities.
Further contributing to the problem are evolving family habits, including a greater propensity for taking vacations during the academic year rather than adhering strictly to traditional summer or winter breaks. Economic pressures also play a role, with some students compelled to miss school because they are required to work, contributing financially to their households. These multifaceted reasons underscore the need for comprehensive support systems.
Even large urban districts have struggled to reverse the trend. Denver Public Schools (DPS), the state’s largest school district, saw initial attendance improvements hindered after key national events, ultimately reporting largely flat attendance rates at 89.2% for the 2024-25 academic year. Consequently, the percentage of DPS students facing chronic absenteeism increased by one percentage point to 38.1%, indicating challenges in sustaining engagement within larger educational systems.
The importance of consistent attendance cannot be overstated, as presence in school directly impacts academic success and long-term outcomes. Regular school attendance for elementary-aged students is strongly correlated with achieving grade-level reading proficiency by the third grade. Conversely, older students who are chronically absent face a higher likelihood of dropping out and not graduating high school, emphasizing the critical link between attendance and future opportunities.
Addressing this challenge requires innovative and supportive strategies. Brandi Stott, principal of Columbine Elementary School in Loveland, highlighted her school’s proactive approach to combat chronic absenteeism through intensive family engagement rather than punitive measures. Their efforts include hiring a dedicated family engagement specialist and establishing an attendance team to provide robust support to families, fostering a more collaborative environment.
These localized efforts emphasize that effective solutions involve increased communication and a strong focus on the holistic well-being of students. As Canty underscored, schools play a vital role in a child’s social and emotional development. The ongoing struggle with student attendance post-pandemic is more than just data; it reflects young people who are disengaged and disconnected, missing out on crucial learning experiences essential for their success.
