Did you know that by sixth grade, absenteeism is one of the three signs a student may drop out of high school?  

By ninth grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than eighth grade test scores.

School attendance is essential for academic success, and regular school attendance helps students build strong relationships with their school communities and foster a sense of belonging.

Omaha Public Schools is committed to working with our families to address chronic absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism means students are missing 10% or more school days in one school year for any reason.   

Our student attendance team will meet with families of students who have 20 total absences, whether or not they are excused. The team will work with the family to create a collaborative plan to improve attendance. Previously, the team would meet with families with 20 unexcused absences. This update to include excused and unexcused absences is to follow Nebraska state guidelines.  

Families can make an impact on their student’s attendance now. If anything is getting in the way of getting your student to school, please contact your school’s principal, school support liaison, school counselor or bilingual liaison for help. Learn more about the impact of student attendance and get tips on our Attendance Matters page.