Chronic absence is jeopardizing the futures of too many Arizona high schoolers. Over time, frequent absences are closely linked to lower standardized test scores, higher course failure rates, and an increased likelihood of dropping out.
Missing Too Much High School
Chronic absence is one of the most urgent issues facing Arizona’s high schools. A new research brief from Helios Education Foundation and WestEd, Missing Too Much High School, shows that rates among high school students are much higher than those in younger grades. Rates have slightly improved since the COVID-19 pandemic’s peak but are still well above pre-pandemic levels.
In the 2023–24 school year, more than one in three Arizona high school students were chronically absent—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year at a single school. That’s down from the peak of 42% during the 2021-22 school year, when 34% of high school students were chronically absent.
The report also reveals alarming trends: chronic absence rises with grade level—with high school seniors having the highest rates. Rates are also significantly higher among low-income and historically underrepresented students, as well as those in alternative or Arizona Online Instruction (AOI) schools.
Additionally, the report analyzed academic proficiency scores for students in grade 11 and found those with lower chronic absence rates were more proficient in English language arts and math, further emphasizing the connection between attendance and learning.
Who is Chronically Absent in Arizona High Schools?
Download “Missing Too Much High School” Report
Explore Helios Education Foundation and WestEd’s findings
High school chronic absence rates spiked during the pandemic and remain elevated.
Rates peaked at 42% in 2021–22 and dropped to 34% in 2023–24—still about 10 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels.
Chronic absence increases with grade level.
Each year between 2016-17 and 2023-24, high school chronic absence rates were the lowest for students in grade 9 and highest for students in grade 12.
Significant disparities persist across student groups.
In 2023–24, economically disadvantaged students (43%) were absent at much higher rates than their peers, while American Indian or Alaska Native students (53%) and English language learners (47%) had the highest rates.
School context is strongly tied to attendance.
High-poverty schools reported a 40% chronic absence rate compared with 25% in lower-poverty schools. Chronic absence rates were also higher in alternative schools (39%) and Arizona Online Instruction (40%), but lower in charter schools (26%).
The Data Behind Arizona’s High School Chronic Absence Rates
Supporting consistent attendance, especially during the early years of high school, is essential for keeping students on track to graduate prepared for college and careers.
By removing barriers to attendance and strengthening support systems, Arizona can help ensure that more students attend school, stay engaged, and succeed.
Urgent Action Needed from Schools, the Community and Policymakers
- Executive Summary
- Share the News
- “Still Missing Too Much School” | January 2025 Helios research
- “Absenteeism Matters” | March 2024 Helios research
- ABC15 Arizona: New report shows absence rate in high schools much higher than lower grades
- AZCentral: New report examines chronic absenteeism among Arizona high school students
- AZFamily: Arizona schools chief says absenteeism is ‘catastrophic’ at high schools
- KJZZ: Helios report: Arizona’s chronic absence rates still haven’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels
- KTAR News 92.3 FM: More than 1/3 of Arizona high schoolers are chronically absent
- Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne’s letter
Additional Resources