Attendance Home

At Salt Lake City School District, daily school attendance is one of our top priorities. And with good reason: daily school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success!
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Academic Success: Students who attend school at a rate of 95% or better are significantly less likely to fail classes or experience behavioral challenges.
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Early Impact: Attendance habits form early. Children who regularly miss school in elementary grades are less likely to read at grade level and more likely to struggle later in their education.
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More Than Academics: Daily school attendance gives students access to more than just academics. Attending school every day helps students build important social, emotional, and life skills that last far beyond graduation.
One in Four Students Is Chronically Absent
Right now, about one in four Salt Lake City students is chronically absent. Chronically absent means our kids are missing 18 or more days of school per year. That’s just two days a month! That may not feel like much, but over time, those absences add up to almost an entire month of lost learning by the end of the year.
And this isn’t just a local issue. Across Utah, 27% of students were chronically absent in the 2021–22 school year. Among students living in poverty, the number was even higher—37%.
What Families Can Do
We’re asking families to help us make daily attendance a top priority this school year. Here’s how you can help:
- Reach out for support early. Our school staff are here to help.
- Talk to your child about the importance of showing up every day.
- Schedule family vacations around school breaks. Check the district calendar
- Build routines at home to support your student getting to school on time.
- Stay informed about your child’s attendance record.
- Schedule doctor appointments after school, if possible.
Even excused absences count toward chronic absenteeism, so staying engaged matters every step of the way.
When students are absent, the whole school community feels the impact. Teachers have a harder time keeping lessons on track, and students miss out on shared learning experiences. Prioritizing daily school attendance helps your child, and every student in Salt Lake City School District, build a stronger foundation for learning, growth, and long-term success.