Maryland school absenteeism has declined statewide as education officials launch a new campaign focused on daily classroom attendance. State Superintendent Carey M. Wright announced the latest results on September 10 alongside other education leaders, as reported by the Baltimore Chronicle. The Maryland State Department of Education says chronic absenteeism fell to 25% in the 2024-25 school year.
Maryland chronic absenteeism falls from earlier levels
The statewide rate fell 6 percentage points from the 2021-22 baseline. Preliminary 2025-26 data indicates another decline, although final statewide figures have not yet been published.
Maryland defines a chronically absent student as one missing at least 10% of enrolled school days. In a 180-day year, that generally means 18 or more missed days.
Even relatively short periods of repeated absence can create gaps in lessons, assignments and classroom participation.
Key figures show the direction of the state’s attendance effort:
| Indicator | Latest information |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 chronic absenteeism | 25% |
| Change from 2021-22 | Down 6 percentage points |
| Chronic absence threshold | 10% of school days |
| 180-day example | 18 or more missed days |
| 2025-26 trend | Preliminary data shows further decline |
The improvement does not mean attendance problems have disappeared. A 25% rate still means roughly 1 in 4 students met Maryland’s chronic-absence definition. Officials are therefore moving from measuring the problem toward coordinated prevention.
What is the Maryland Shows Up campaign?
The new Maryland Shows Up campaign is designed to promote regular school attendance across the state. It targets school districts, families and community organizations rather than placing responsibility on students alone.
The program will focus on several groups:
- local school systems and educators;
- parents and caregivers;
- health providers;
- community organizations and local leaders.
Dr. Wright said attendance requires support beyond individual classrooms.
“Even a small number of absences can disrupt a child’s learning.”
Carey M. Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Maryland State Department of Education, August 2026.
The campaign arrives as Maryland schools address several broader education issues. Baltimore County recently appointed William Heiser as superintendent, covered by the Baltimore Chronicle. Families are also navigating new Maryland school meal income limits.
Why Maryland officials are focusing on school attendance
Chronic absenteeism in Maryland schools affects more than attendance records. Missing repeated instructional days can make it harder to follow lessons and complete sequential coursework.
State officials want families and community partners involved before occasional absences become persistent patterns. That approach can include communication with families and support for transportation, health or scheduling barriers.
Maryland’s latest numbers point to progress, but the remaining 25% rate keeps attendance high on the state’s education agenda.
Wright was joined Thursday by State Board President Joshua Michael and Baltimore County Superintendent William Heiser. Their participation underlined the connection between statewide policy and district-level implementation.
Earlier we wrote that Wendy’s brings back the T-Rex Burger with 9 beef patties and 9 cheese slices