Rising Student Absenteeism in Ontario Sparks Concerns

The number of students missing school in southwestern Ontario has increased significantly since the pandemic, raising concerns among parents, school boards, and researchers. Data compiled by CBC News reveals that absenteeism is on the rise in all districts across the country, including the Waterloo region, London, and Windsor. This trend has prompted discussions about the underlying causes and potential long-term impacts on students’ education.

School boards were asked to provide data on student absenteeism rates from the 2020-2021 school year through to the 2024-2025 school year. The findings highlight a troubling increase in absenteeism, prompting calls for a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. For detailed absenteeism statistics, refer to the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), and Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB).

The rise in absenteeism is a pressing issue for many families. Angie Hallman, a mother of three from New Hamburg and a member of several parent committees with the Waterloo region’s public board, noted that there is no single explanation for this trend. She emphasizes a growing awareness of mental health and a more compassionate approach from parents and schools towards students’ well-being. “Social media plays a significant role in children’s lives, influencing them both positively and negatively,” Hallman said.

Classroom dynamics also contribute to absenteeism. Hallman pointed out that behavior issues can lead to classroom disruptions, causing students to associate school with negative experiences. “When students witness chaotic situations, such as evacuations due to behavior problems, it reinforces their desire to avoid school,” she explained. Additionally, many parents, including Hallman, are opting to keep their children home longer when they are unwell, allowing them to engage with their studies remotely through platforms like Google Classroom.

School boards are acknowledging the increased pressures families face, which can affect attendance. The London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) stated in an email to CBC News that challenges related to well-being, financial stability, and work demands are impacting students’ ability to attend school regularly. “Our role is to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, which includes responding to family concerns,” the board stated.

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) expressed its commitment to maintaining high attendance standards while providing support for students who struggle with regular attendance. “We offer re-engagement programs designed to help students succeed,” the board mentioned in its statement.

The long-term implications of rising absenteeism remain uncertain. Kelly Gallagher-Mackay, an associate professor specializing in education inequality at Wilfrid Laurier University, emphasized the need for more comprehensive data to understand the reasons behind this trend and its potential effects on students. “Historically, high absenteeism indicated a risk of not graduating, but we have not seen a dramatic drop in grades or graduation rates post-pandemic,” Gallagher-Mackay noted. “COVID-19 has altered our perception of absenteeism, but the long-term consequences are still unclear.”

Data from the WCDSB indicates a troubling upward trend in student absenteeism since the pandemic. Between the 2020-2021 and 2024-2025 school years, the total number of student absences, encompassing chronic, excused, unexcused, and illness-related absences, showed a marked increase. The board served approximately 26,700 students during this period, with total absences for elementary students rising significantly, from 2,631 in 2020-21 to 6,576 in 2022-23. Secondary student absences tripled, with totals increasing from 858 in 2020-21 to 3,183 in 2022-23.

For the LDCSB, data from the 2022-2023 to 2024-2025 school years indicates a reduction in excused absences for elementary students by 18 percent, despite a 10 percent increase in student enrollment. Unexcused absences, however, surged, particularly for secondary students, where unexcused absences rose from 24,571 in 2022-23 to 109,866 in 2024-25.

The GECDSB reported similar trends, with chronic absenteeism for elementary students decreasing from 46 percent to 38 percent. However, the number of unexcused and illness-related absences for elementary students has increased significantly. Unexcused absences rose from 6,321 in 2021-22 to 9,365 in 2024-25.

As the education system grapples with these challenges, school boards and families are urged to collaborate on strategies that prioritize student well-being while addressing the complexities of absenteeism. The continued dialogue among parents, educators, and researchers is vital in understanding the changing landscape of student attendance in Ontario.