Fewer empty desks: Indiana's chronic absenteeism falls for a fourth straight year

Indiana's schools are steadily winning children back. The state's chronic absenteeism rate — the share of students missing at least 10% of school days — fell below 15% in 2026, its fourth consecutive annual decline from a 21% peak in 2022. Some districts show what is possible: Springs Valley Community Schools recorded a rate of just 1.7%. State officials credited the unglamorous work of recording absences promptly, writing to families early and intervening before a pattern sets — because every recovered school day is learning, meals and friendship a child does not miss.

SDG 4 · Quality education — Mechanism: institutional program