Forsyth Schools cut chronic absences for fourth straight year

Forsyth County Schools reported marked improvement in chronic absenteeism for the fourth consecutive school year, posting results that were significantly better than the statewide average. The progress reflects sustained district efforts to keep students in classrooms and aligns with broader goals for student success and school accountability.

State chronic absenteeism data released January 13 show systemwide declines in long-term absences, with multiple campuses recording substantial year-over-year gains. District leaders highlighted that several schools were recognized for large improvements after implementing focused attendance strategies. Those gains came as the district continued prioritizing early identification of absence patterns, family outreach, and targeted supports for students at risk of missing large chunks of instructional time.

Not every school met the benchmark. One campus fell short of the district target and will receive additional attention as part of an intervention plan. The district has outlined next steps for that campus centered on the same three strategies that produced gains elsewhere: intensified family engagement, closer monitoring to identify attendance trends early, and tailored supports to address barriers such as transportation, health, or family needs. District staff will monitor progress and adjust interventions as attendance data are reviewed.

Improved attendance matters for Forsyth families because regular classroom time is strongly linked to learning progress, grade-level promotion, and long-term outcomes such as graduation. For the district, lower chronic absenteeism supports measures of school performance that inform planning and resource decisions. The multi-year trend also suggests that investments in outreach and early-warning systems are producing measurable effects across the county’s schools.

Parents and community partners play a central role in sustaining the trend. School-based attendance teams and family outreach efforts were credited with reconnecting students who had begun missing school regularly. The district emphasized proactive strategies that identify students showing early signs of disengagement, so supports can be offered before absenteeism becomes chronic.

The path forward balances continued districtwide programs with targeted help for the campus that missed its benchmark. Officials plan ongoing monitoring and a focused intervention timeline to bring the school in line with county goals.

The takeaway? Consistent attendance adds up. Forsyth families and schools should keep using early outreach and practical supports to keep students in class—small daily choices this semester can change a student’s academic trajectory.