Chronic absenteeism trends show rising concerns in Ireland and Maryland

New data highlights ongoing challenges with chronic absenteeism in Ireland and the United States. In Ireland, more than 75,000 post-primary students missed at least 20 days of school during the 2024/25 academic year. This represents an increase of over 8,000 students compared to the previous year, with total absence levels remaining higher than pre-pandemic figures.

In Maryland, school officials reported a decline in chronic absenteeism, which dropped to nearly 23% for the 2025-26 academic year from almost 32% in 2021-22. However, the state has not yet met its goal of halving post-pandemic rates. Regional disparities remain significant, with rates as high as 41.4% in Baltimore City and as low as 15.4% in Harford and Howard counties. Maryland defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% of the school year, or approximately 18 days.

To address these trends, Maryland is expanding data collection, partnering with the nonprofit Attendance Works, and launching awareness campaigns such as ‘Maryland Shows Up!’ to identify students in need of support.