Syracuse schools have made progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, but significant challenges remain. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 18 days or 10% of the school year. According to a report from the State Comptroller’s office, Syracuse saw an 18% reduction in chronic absenteeism in 2023, but the rate remains at 57%. Local school officials have made reducing absenteeism a priority and are working to bring the numbers down further.