In 2024, Middletown Schools faced one of the highest chronic absenteeism rates in the Tri-State area. Now, the district reported that it has successfully reduced its rate by 11%, thanks to a concerted community effort.
According to the United States Department of Education, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10% of school days in a year, which amounts to about 18 days. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Middletown’s district-wide chronic absenteeism rate was 44.5% during the 2023-2024 school year, significantly higher than the statewide rate of 25%.
