--- title: Resources to Address Chronic Absenteeism | Wayfinder description: See how district leaders are addressing the chronic absenteeism crisis and learn about contributing factors. image: https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Chronic%20Absenteeism%20Classroom%20w%20Logo.png --- [![Wayfinder](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/wayfinder-theme/images/61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png?width=200&name=61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png "Wayfinder")](https://www.withwayfinder.com/) [Log In](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login) [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6) - Curriculum + Products - Our Offerings - Grade Levels - [District-Wide (PreK-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/district-wide-curriculum) - [Elementary School (PreK-5)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/elementary-school-curriculum) - 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[Contact Us](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/contact) [LogIn](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login) [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.withwayfinder.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://www.withwayfinder.com/terms-of-service) © Wayfinder, 2023 ## Address Chronic Absenteeism in Schools ## Learn about chronic absenteeism, contributing factors to absences, and potential solutions to bring students back to school ## **Quick Links** - [**What is Chronic Absenteeism?**](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#what-is-chronic-absenteeism) - **[Contributing Factors to Chronic Absenteeism](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#contributing-factors-chronic-absenteeism)** - **[Resources for Addressing Chronic Absenteeism](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#chronic-absenteeism-resources)** - [The State of Chronic Absenteeism 2026](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#state-of-chronic-absenteeism-resource) - [Approaching the Root Causes of Chronic Absenteeism](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#root-causes-of-chronic-absenteeism) - **[How Chronic Absenteeism Impacts Student Achievement](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#how-chronic-absenteeism-impacts-achievement)** - **[Leaders in Education on Chronic Absenteeism Interventions](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#leaders-on-chronic-absenteeism-interventions)** - **[Blogs + Articles on Chronic Absenteeism](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#blogs-articles-chronic-absenteeism)** ![Students who are chronically absent by race](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chronic%20Absenteeism%20Table%20Overview.png?width=1015&height=529&name=Chronic%20Absenteeism%20Table%20Overview.png) [Talk to Our Team](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/demo?utm_campaign=Chronic%20Absenteeism%20Guide&utm_source=Chronic%20Student%20Absenteeism%20Resources&utm_medium=%22Talk%20with%20our%20Team%22%20Button) [Download Resources](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-resources#state-of-chronic-absenteeism-resource) ## What is Chronic Absenteeism? [Absenteeism is labeled as chronic once a student misses 10% of school days in a year.](https://www.attendanceworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Chronic-Absenteeism_web-2.pdf) Whether absences are excused or not, it’s at this point that the risks of falling behind academically, dropping out before graduation, and even poor health increase significantly. Learn how to address chronic absenteeism in [our latest guide](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/chronic-absenteeism-guide?hsLang=en). ![Infographic showing the following data: In the 2022-2023 school year 33% of students nationwide were chronically absent. Rates as high as 77% disproportionately affect urban district. Rates are up roughly 10% in all districts across the country.](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chronic%20absenteeism%20-%20data%20infographic.png?width=1200&height=491&name=Chronic%20absenteeism%20-%20data%20infographic.png "Infographic showing the following data: In the 2022-2023 school year 33% of students nationwide were chronically absent. Rates as high as 77% disproportionately affect urban district. Rates are up roughly 10% in all districts across the country.") ![Contributing Factors to Chronic Absenteeism infographic: Mental Health: recent years have seen a 20% rise in anxiety disorders and a 37% rise in clinical depression diagnoses among children and adolescents. Belonging at School: a positive school climate, one promoting safety and strong relationships, can improve attendance. Disengagement: low school involvement, stemming from a lack of perceived purpose, interest, or motivation, is associated with absenteeism and long-term negative impacts.](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contributing%20Factors%20to%20Chronic%20Absenteeism.png?width=1694&height=1630&name=Contributing%20Factors%20to%20Chronic%20Absenteeism.png) Contributing Factors to Chronic Absenteeism There are many reasons why chronic absenteeism is on the rise. However, several contributing factors stand out: - Declining student **mental health** - Lack of **belonging at school** - Overall student **disengagement** The New York Times recently asked high school [students’ thoughts on the reasons behind the startling rates of absenteeism](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/11/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-why-school-absences-have-exploded.html). Their responses reaffirm research-backed causes and provide insights for how to address chronic absenteeism. ## Resources for Addressing Chronic Absenteeism   ![Address Chronic Absenteeism in Your District with Wayfinder | State of Chronic Absenteeism 2026](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Address%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%20in%20Your%20District%20with%20Wayfinder%20%7C%20State%20of%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%202026.png?width=1080&height=800&name=Address%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%20in%20Your%20District%20with%20Wayfinder%20%7C%20State%20of%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%202026.png) Explore the State of Chronic Absenteeism 2026 Guide **Strengthen student attendance across your district.** See the latest research and district strategies driving measurable progress in student attendance in The State of Chronic Absenteeism 2026 Guide.   **Click below** to get the guide and start making measurable progress today. [Get the Guide](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/strengthen-student-attendance-guide?hsLang=en) ![Address the root causes of Chronic Absenteeism in Your District 2](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Address%20the%20root%20causes%20of%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%20in%20Your%20District%202.png?width=1080&height=800&name=Address%20the%20root%20causes%20of%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%20in%20Your%20District%202.png) Addressing the Root Causes of Chronic Absenteeism Wayfinder addresses chronic absenteeism at its source with resources to ensure well-being, build belonging, and guide students to develop purpose. Our curriculum, activities, and assessments allow schools and districts to: - Address mental health needs with curated content - Improve belonging + build positive school culture - Re-engage students in classroom learning - Build healthy habits + executive function Explore how Wayfinder can help your school or district tackle chronic absenteeism, plus get free activities + lessons to use in your classrooms today. [Get the Resource](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/address-chronic-absenteeism-with-wayfinder?hsLang=en) ![How Chronic Absenteeism Impacts Student Achievement. Image shows a elementary classroom with a child represented as chronically absent.](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%20Impacts%20Student%20Achievement.png?width=4419&height=3535&name=How%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%20Impacts%20Student%20Achievement.png) How Chronic Absenteeism Impacts Student Achievement Read our latest article on the short + long-term effects of chronic absenteeism on student success, including academic performance, social development, and student health. [Read the Article](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/impact-of-chronic-absenteeism-on-student-success?hsLang=en) ## Leaders in Education on Chronic Absenteeism Interventions Wayfinder helps tackles chronic absenteeism by focusing on student well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, and guiding purposeful development. Real-life educators using Wayfinder have: - Increased student agency + accountability - Tracked crucial skill development + generated related content - Developed students' self-awareness + purpose - Strengthened belonging + connection at school [**Click here to learn more**](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/address-chronic-absenteeism-with-wayfinder?hsLang=en) about how to address chronic absenteeism with Wayfinder.    ## Explore Blogs + Articles on Chronic Absenteeism ![Empty Classroom ](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Misc%20Images/Empty%20Classroom%202.jpg) ##### Strategies for Schools to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some of the most effective methods. [Read Strategies to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/strategies-to-reduce-chronic-absenteeism?hsLang=en) ![Empty Classroom](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Misc%20Images/Empty%20Classroom.jpg) ##### The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism on Student Success Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue affecting K-12 schools everywhere. Research findings make it clear that addressing this issue is crucial for student success. [Read the Impact of Chronic Absenteeism](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/impact-of-chronic-absenteeism-on-student-success?hsLang=en) ![Building Belonging Checklist](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/social-emotional-learning-program.jpg) ##### Wayfinder's Building Belonging Checklist Fun and easy-to-use Wayfinder activity guides to help build relationships and improve school climate. 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