The Persistent Presence Of Absence

The number of children attending America's public schools is declining, with chronic absenteeism rates 57% higher in 2024 than before the COVID pandemic. In 2018 and 2019, about 15% of K-12 public school students were chronically absent, which is considered a crisis. Nearly one in twelve public schools in the US has experienced a substantial enrollment decline over the last five years, with big cities like Los Angeles and Chicago being particularly affected. Schools identified as chronically low-performing were more than twice as likely to experience sizable enrollment declines. Data from 22 states and the District of Columbia show significant differences in absenteeism rates across grade levels, with 12th graders having the highest rates. Many kids have no interest in attending school, with only 48% of Gen Z students feeling motivated to attend school. The quality of public education is also a concern, with 73% of adults dissatisfied with the quality of public education in the US. To address the issue, schools may need to be consolidated, and parents should take responsibility for their children's education by considering alternatives like homeschooling or private school choice programs. There are currently 76 private school choice programs in 35 states, but only 1.2 million students participate in them. Ultimately, parents need to take control of their children's education to change the course of their lives.