Colorado reports decline in chronic student absenteeism

Colorado school districts reported improvements in attendance and a reduction in chronic absenteeism during the 2025-26 school year. Statewide attendance rates rose by 0.1 percentage points to 91.5%, while the chronic absenteeism rate fell by 0.9 percentage points to 27.5%. This marks the state’s lowest chronic absenteeism rate in four years, representing 11,341 fewer students missing 10% or more of their enrolled school days compared to the previous year.

Several districts on the Western Slope outperformed the statewide average in these metrics. Despite this progress, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova noted that more significant improvements are required to meet state objectives. The Colorado Department of Education aims to reduce chronic absenteeism to 15% by the 2027-28 school year.

To support these goals, more than 110 schools across 83 districts have participated in a state attendance campaign, receiving resources and tools to help stabilize student presence in classrooms.