Chronic Absenteesism

Chadron High School has had a lot of recognition in the past 10 years or more on all of the academic successes including the 'Excellent' rating each of the past two years by the Nebraska Department of Education. However, we have issues that need attention.  The good news is it doesn't involve test scores, curriculum or student behaviors ...it's student attendance.

Chronic Absenteeism = Any student missing 10% or more of instructional days regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused.  Missing instruction for other than a school sponsored activity is ...missing school.  Missing instructional days significantly impacts academic achievement, hindering reading skills, increasing drop out risk, and limiting social engagement.

A recent report on the attendance for Chadron High School shows:

Key Findings

• While overall attendance at Chadron High School remains strong, a significant subgroup of students is experiencing chronic absenteeism.
• Over 15% of students meet the definition of chronically absent.
• This equates to roughly 1 in every 6 students.

Interpretation

• The school's average absence rate (4.8%) indicates that most students attend regularly.
• However, chronic absenteeism is highly concentrated, with a relatively small number of students accounting for a disproportionate share of total absences.
• Several chronically absent students are missing 15-30% of instructional time, placing them at elevated academic and engagement risk.

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Bottom Line

Chadron High School demonstrates solid overall attendance, but chronic absenteeism remains a meaningful challenge for some students. 

In lieu of this data, current and planned strategies include proactive communication with families, early identification of attendance concerns, administrative and counseling follow-up, academic support for students impacted by absences, and collaboration with families to address barriers to consistent attendance. Letters have been mailed to families to notify of chronic absenteeism and we hope to work to improve attendance for all students.

Please help us become an even better school for our community by encouraging daily attendance for students!

Final Reminder to Enroll for Dual Credit Classes Through CSC

This is a final reminder regarding dual credit enrollment for students enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Statistics, or Intro to Teaching for Spring 2026.

If your student plans to receive college credit through Chadron State College, the dual credit enrollment form must be completed and tuition paid in full by next Friday.

Dual Credit Enrollment Form:
https://www.csc.edu/admissions/dualcredit/dual-credit-student-enrollment-request-form/

Courses & Costs

• Intro to Teaching -  EDUC 131 – 3 credits – $180

• AP Statistics -MATH 232– 3 credits – $180

• AP Calculus -MATH 151– 5 credits – $300
  (Cost is $60 per credit hour)

How Enrollment Works

• Student must fill out enrollment form here:  https://www.csc.edu/admissions/dualcredit/dual-credit-student-enrollment-request-form/

• Families will receive an email from CSC with login instructions for MyCSC, where payment is made.

• Chadron High School does not accept dual credit payments.

Financial Assistance
Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch receive full tuition assistance through ACE Scholarships.Students please see Mrs. Watson for assistance with the application.

AP Exam Option
Instead of dual credit, students may choose to take the AP exam in May:

• $98 per exam (cash or check to Chadron High School)

• College credit depends on exam score and future college policies.

Need Help?

• Chadron State START Office: 308-432-6061

• Dual Credit Info: www.csc.edu/admissions/dualcredit/important-information/

Please reach out as soon as possible if you have questions or need assistance before the deadline.

Thank you,

Chadron High School Counseling Office
Mrs. Loni Watson, Counselor