Indiana Chronic Absenteeism Falls to 14.9%
Statewide rate improved for a fourth straight year as school corporations report gains at every grade level.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Indiana's K-12 chronic absenteeism rate fell to 14.9% in the 2025-26 school year, a 1.8 percentage point improvement from the prior year. The state Department of Education released the data at the State Board of Education meeting in October.
Why it matters
The rate has now declined for four consecutive years and sits 6.3 percentage points below its 2022 high, reflecting recovery from pandemic-era disruption. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of school days for any reason, making attendance a measurable indicator of student engagement.
Indiana's chronic absenteeism rate fell to 14.9% in 2025-26, a 1.8 point improvement from the prior year and 6.3 points below the 2022 high. High school grades are improving more slowly than other grade levels.
The players
Indiana Department of Education
The state agency responsible for public K-12 education policy and data reporting across Indiana's school districts.
Secretary Jenner
The state education secretary who spoke to the State Board of Education about the chronic absenteeism results.
South Bend Community School Corporation
A public school district in South Bend, Indiana, whose attendance efforts contributed to a 6% corporation-wide decline in absenteeism.
The details
Officials credit family engagement and efforts to address barriers families face. South Bend Community School Corporation's attendance officer used phone calls, parent letters, attendance tracking and student conferences, and the corporation's rate fell 6%. Marshall Traditional School's rate dropped more than 26 percentage points to 9.7%, from 36.4% the prior year.
Timeline
2022: Indiana chronic absenteeism reaches its high point.
2025-26 school year: Statewide rate falls to 14.9%.
October 21, 2026: Secretary Jenner addresses the State Board of Education.
October 2026: Department of Education releases the chronic absenteeism data.
Season Trajectory
Indiana's attendance gains follow the sharp rise in chronic absenteeism nationwide during the 2020-2021 pandemic school year. The four-year decline shows recovery from that peak, though high schools lag behind younger grades.
Families of high schoolers should watch for continued attendance support, since high school grades are improving more slowly. Parents of students who have missed roughly 18 days in a year can ask their school about attendance outreach.
The takeaway
Consistent contact between schools and families appears to be a practical lever for improving attendance. Parents can track their child's absences and reach out early when patterns emerge.
Further reading
Explore more on Secondary Education to see how schools across the state are tackling attendance and student engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSBT.
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