NEWS BRIEF
The Gazette reports that 27.5% of Colorado K-12 students were chronically absent during the 2025-26 school year, meaning they missed 10% or more of the school year. State and local efforts are focused on using attendance data, connecting families with support and sharing practices among districts.
Fountain-Fort Carson District 8 reported that its chronic absenteeism rate fell to 23.4% after it emphasized positive attendance outreach, family discussions and earlier identification of student needs. The Colorado Department of Education, community partners and Kaiser Permanente also announced or continued programs intended to support local attendance efforts.
What to know
Colorado’s statewide chronic absenteeism rate remains above the state’s 15% 2027-28 goal. The Gazette reports that districts are testing locally tailored approaches, while health, family needs, disengagement and other factors can contribute to missed school days.
Reporting: Eric Young eric.young@gazette.com · The Gazette · 09-20-2026
