Chronic Absenteeism & Suspensions Down for PGCPS Students

Significant progress marks the latest data from Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), with both student suspensions and chronic absenteeism showing substantial declines compared to January 2023. 

Out-of-school student suspensions are down 31.6% when comparing January SY2023 (1129) to January SY24 (862) — a testament to the district’s focus on social emotional support and progressive discipline approaches.

Likewise, chronic absenteeism (defined as any absence exceeding 10 percent or more of a student's enrollment days) has been on the decline over the past several months in comparison to last year.

Across the district, chronic absenteeism is down almost 6%, from 34.89% in January 2023 to 29.10% January 2024 — the lowest it has been in three years.

“Pupil personnel workers and resource partners are working together daily to ensure our students are in school.”

Jacqueline R. Naves Pupil Personnel Services Supervisor

District leaders link the decline to multiple efforts, including a focus on school communication and absence notifications for parents, increased central office support and monitoring and additional staff training.

Baden, Columbia Park and William Beanes elementary schools along with James Gholson Middle School had the largest reduction in chronic absenteeism rates from January SY23 to January SY24. 

Additionally, nine schools saw double-digit reductions in chronic absenteeism counts from December to January, including Benjamin Tasker Middle School, Accokeek Academy and Barack Obama Elementary School.    

Check out these attendance tips for students and families!