Argentina faces rising school absenteeism and declining learning outcomes

New reports indicate a significant crisis in the Argentine educational system, characterized by rising absenteeism among vulnerable populations and a decline in academic achievement. Research by Argentinos por la Educación shows that absenteeism among students from the lowest socioeconomic levels increased by 20% in 2024 compared to 2022. Key drivers for these absences include transportation difficulties, lack of motivation, and responsibilities such as work or childcare.

Despite a high school enrollment rate of 97% for adolescents aged 15 to 16, academic performance is struggling. According to the School Results Index (IRE) for Latin America, only 19% of 15-year-old students in Argentina are attending the grade corresponding to their age while meeting minimum expected levels in reading and mathematics. This represents a steady decline from 26% in 2009. While Argentina maintains high attendance rates, it ranks seventh out of nine evaluated regional countries in terms of students progressing on time with expected knowledge levels.