In this series: Oregon Chronic Absenteeism.

Oregon's elementary schools averaged a 28.0% chronic absenteeism rate in 2024-25, down 8.0 percentage points from their peak. Middle schools averaged 31.8%, down 3.5 points. High schools averaged 42.5%, down 1.2 points.

The statewide attendance recovery is almost entirely an elementary school story.

The two-track system

Elementary schools (K-5) and high schools (9-12) have always had a gap in chronic absenteeism. In 2014-15, the difference was 10.8 points — 13.7% for elementary vs. 24.5% for high school. In 2024-25, the gap was 14.5 points.

The ratio of elementary improvement to high school improvement is more than six to one. Oregon's recovery is visible in K-5. It barely shows up in grades 9-12.

Inside the high school numbers

All four high school grades are above 34% chronic. Grade 9 is at 34.6%. Grade 10: 39.5%. Grade 11: 43.4%. Grade 12: 52.5%. The progression is relentless — each year of high school adds roughly 6 percentage points to the chronic rate.

Grade 12's flat trajectory — 52.5% in both 2022 and 2025 — is the most alarming component. But 9th grade's 34.6% is also notable. A freshman entering high school in Oregon has a one-in-three chance of being chronically absent. By the time that cohort reaches senior year, the odds flip to one-in-two.

The high school attendance problem is not just about seniors coasting toward graduation. It starts the moment students enter 9th grade and compounds through each subsequent year.

What the data can say

The analysis does not identify why high school attendance is recovering more slowly. It does show where the recovery is concentrated.

Elementary chronic absenteeism is still high at 28.0%, but it has moved substantially from the 2023 peak. High school chronic absenteeism remains close to its peak, and grade 12 is exactly where it was in 2022: 52.5%.

That means Oregon's attendance recovery is not one statewide trend. It is two trends moving at different speeds.

Detailed code that reproduces the analysis and figures in this article is available exclusively to EdTribune subscribers.