Title
Attendance Matters Phoenix - Citywide
Description
This report provides the Community Services and Education Subcommittee with a brief overview of Phoenix Chronic Absenteeism data and the Attendance Matters Phoenix initiative that will include a social media kit to promote improved school attendance across Phoenix throughout the year.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Current Chronic Absenteeism Status
Chronic absenteeism is one of Phoenix’s most pressing and addressable challenges within local schools. Chronic absence is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year. Regular attendance is strongly connected to reading proficiency, academic achievement, social development and long term educational success.
Chronic absenteeism across Phoenix school districts in 2025 shows considerable variation, with rates ranging from 10 percent to 34 percent. Phoenix Union High School District reported the highest rate at 34 percent, while Murphy Elementary School District had the lowest at 10 percent. Most districts fell between the low 20s and low 30s. On average, Phoenix school districts reported a chronic absenteeism rate of 22.52 percent in 2025, down from 28.73 percent in 2023, demonstrating meaningful progress across the City.
Strategic Community Response
To confront this challenge, Valley of the Sun United Way, in partnership with Attendance Works, Read On Arizona and Read On Phoenix brought together school and district leaders, community organizations and local partners to better understand why students miss school as well as identify the barriers that keep them from attending. By focusing on underlying causes rather than symptoms, the initiative supports coordinated, community driven solutions that strengthen attendance and help students remain engaged in learning.
With support from the Helios Education Foundation, Valley of the Sun United Way launched Project SAAM (Supporting Attendance Across Maricopa County) to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism. Five Phoenix elementary school districts (Alhambra, Balsz, Cartwright, Littleton and Washington) participated in the program and received coaching over a three year period.
These districts saw chronic absenteeism decrease between 2023 and 2025, with reductions ranging from 18 percent to 28 percent. On average, the cohort moved from a chronic absenteeism rate of 33.66 percent in 2023 to 25.64 percent in 2025, demonstrating meaningful progress. Districts learned how to analyze chronic absenteeism data in a more consistent and actionable way, establishing data teams that monitor trends and guide monthly improvement strategies. They also strengthened relationships with families, recognizing that timely support and open communication are essential to improving attendance and addressing student and family needs.
Districts enhanced their local attendance messaging through clearer communication and intentional outreach to students and families under the Attendance Matters initiative. It was developed to reduce chronic absenteeism through consistent messaging, early intervention, family engagement and strong community partnerships. To elevate the importance of regular attendance citywide, the Youth and Education Office is launching Attendance Matters Phoenix, centered on the theme “Here Today, Ready Tomorrow!” City leadership plays a vital role in amplifying this message and encouraging families to prioritize attendance.
Attendance Matters Phoenix Initiative
Attendance Matters Phoenix emphasizes clear, consistent public messaging throughout the year, especially during September’s Attendance Awareness Month and other periods when attendance typically declines. The initiative reinforces attendance expectations at the start of the school year and following extended breaks, helping families and schools establish strong routines. It also supports culturally responsive family engagement by sharing multilingual information and maintaining supportive, non punitive messaging. A new website will be created with links to a media kit and community resources.
City Initiative Launch
Attendance Matters Phoenix will launch an opportunity for Head Start families to promote consistent attendance by offering an annual pass to the Phoenix Children’s Museum. Each week, families whose children maintain 90 percent or higher attendance earn an entry into a monthly drawing, with additional entries awarded for sustained attendance. At the conclusion of the initiative, all eligible families will be entered into a final drawing, and up to 300 families will receive an annual museum membership. This initiative encourages regular attendance, recognizes families for supporting their children’s learning and strengthens family engagement through enriching community experiences.
Attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success, and together Phoenix can make a meaningful impact. Messaging around September, holidays and summer learning loss provides key opportunities to engage families and reinforce strong attendance habits.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Youth and Education Office.