The percentage of students who were chronically absent from New Jersey public schools declined again last year. Still, it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, state data show.
The count of days missed and dozens of other measures were compiled in School Performance Reports for the 2024-25 school year.
Like a report card for schools and districts, the information includes measures of test results, the learning environment and college and career readiness. A redesigned format allows users to track trends over five years.
Statewide data showed schools improved in a number of areas, state Education Commissioner Lily Laux said this month. The graduation rate was higher, and more students at the end of 12th grade were deemed proficient in at least two languages. Schools also reported a decline in disciplinary actions.
Another improvement was the percentage of students who were chronically absent, which is defined as missing at least 10% of the typical 180-day school year.
That figure dropped to 14.4% last year from 18.1% in 2021-22. The rate was significantly lower than the 22% estimated national rate in 2024-25, the Department of Education reported. Absenteeism, though, exceeded the 10.6% rate in 2018-19, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck and learning went remote.
Students who habitually miss class can face academic hurdles, research shows. New Jersey schools with chronic absenteeism must develop corrective action plans.
An NJ Spotlight News analysis found wide variation in absenteeism.
Nine schools reported that zero or less than 1% routinely missed class in 2024-25. These included schools in Haddon Heights, Hillside and Newark, plus one in the Monmouth County Vocational system.
On the other end, 16 schools reported that at least half were chronically absent. The rate was 75% for Camden High School in Camden and Pinnacle Academy High in Plainfield.
Among the data available for each public school and district:
- Test performance statistics for the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment, New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment and National Assessment of Educational Progress
- Participation and results for PSAT, SAT and ACT
- Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Dual Enrollment courses
- Career and technical education programs
- Graduation rates, pathways to graduation, apprenticeships and college enrollment
- Incidents of violence, vandalism, bullying and substance use
- Per-pupil spending
- Student and teacher counts
We’re in this together.
For a better-informed future.
Support our nonprofit newsroom.
