Atlanta, Georgia, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Chronic absenteeism in Georgia schools is a significant concern, with nearly 20% of students classified as chronically absent. This rate has doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting state lawmakers to act. Although recent statistics show slight improvement, with a current rate of 19.5% for the 2024-2025 school year, officials stress this remains excessively high. New legislative efforts and community initiatives aim to tackle this issue, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders to enhance student attendance and educational opportunities.
Atlanta, Georgia — Chronic absenteeism in Georgia schools has reached alarming levels, with nearly 20% of students considered chronically absent, which is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. This rate is double the levels observed before the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting immediate attention from state lawmakers and educators as the new school year approaches.
The absenteeism crisis has been underscored by alarming statistics; chronic absenteeism peaked at 23.9% in 2021, and while it has since decreased to 21.3% last school year, it remains considerably high. Recent reports show that the chronic absenteeism rate has improved to 19.5% for the 2024-2025 school year, marking the lowest level since the pandemic. However, officials stress that this rate is still too elevated.
Darlene Lynch, representing Georgia Appleseed, explained that efforts to enhance school safety might have inadvertently worsened absenteeism. Students awaiting disciplinary hearings can miss extended periods of school, leading to increased absenteeism. In some cases, minor infractions like possession of vapes have resulted in long-term suspensions or expulsions, subsequently pushing students into alternative education that often lacks reliable transportation. Such circumstances can hinder parents’ ability to transport their children, creating a pathway to dropout rates.
In response to the surge in absenteeism, Georgia lawmakers passed House Bill 268 earlier this year, aimed at bolstering school safety following a tragic mass shooting at Apalachee High School. This law mandates that schools collect data on students with behavioral issues and expedite the transfer of these records. However, this requirement may create bureaucratic delays that can affect student enrollment.
Chief Judge Ann B. Harris highlighted the severe implications of chronic absenteeism, noting that individuals who drop out of school face significantly worse health outcomes, resulting in reduced life expectancy. Addressing this urgent matter, a new Senate committee led by Sen. John F. Kennedy is forming to specifically tackle chronic absenteeism. Furthermore, Senate Bill 123, which has recently been signed into law, alters Georgia’s compulsory attendance laws to necessitate attendance review teams in schools that display high rates of absenteeism.
The percentage of students missing school increased significantly during the pandemic, rising from 12% pre-pandemic to 20.1% in 2021. This has triggered a statewide call to action, with the goal of reducing chronic absenteeism by 50% over the next five years as part of the “50% Challenge” initiative proposed by Sen. Kennedy.
Collaboration among state agencies, school districts, and lawmakers has been deemed vital to counteracting chronic absenteeism. Educational leaders are implementing numerous measures to increase awareness, including a public-facing dashboard, public service announcements, and targeted training for schools. Local communities are also rising to meet the challenge, offering incentives for families to enhance attendance rates. For instance, one community in metro Atlanta plans to provide discounts on utility bills to parents whose children attend school every day during the first week classes begin.
Stakeholders across Georgia are encouraged to focus on solutions that will enhance student attendance and offer children better access to educational opportunities. The ongoing situations highlight a critical need for cooperative efforts as legislators and educators strive to mitigate the adverse effects of chronic absenteeism on students’ futures.
FAQ
What is chronic absenteeism in Georgia schools?
Chronic absenteeism in Georgia schools is a growing concern, with nearly 20% of students considered chronically absent, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year.
What impact has the pandemic had on absenteeism rates?
The percentage of students missing school increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; it rose from 12% pre-pandemic to 20.1% in 2021.
What are lawmakers doing to address chronic absenteeism?
A new Senate committee, chaired by Sen. John F. Kennedy, is being formed to tackle chronic absenteeism.
What measures have been implemented to improve attendance?
Collaboration among state agencies, lawmakers, and school districts has been emphasized as crucial in addressing chronic absenteeism.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chronic Absenteeism Rate | Nearly 20% of students |
| Peak Absenteeism Rate (2021) | 23.9% |
| Current Absenteeism Rate (2024-2025) | 19.5% |
| House Bill 268 | Pushed for enhanced school safety |
| Senate Bill 123 | Amends compulsory attendance laws |
| 50% Challenge Initiative | Goal to reduce absenteeism by 50% over five years |
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Additional Resources
- The Augusta Chronicle
- Valdosta Today
- WSB Radio
- Savannah Now
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Chronic Absenteeism
- Google Search: Georgia education system
- Google Scholar: absenteeism in schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Georgia school absenteeism
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
