Missing a few days of school because of illness or a family emergency is common. The concern becomes different when absences start adding up. Michigan defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the school days a student is enrolled, and that measure generally includes both excused and unexcused absences.¹²

Michigan reported that 27.9% of public-school students were chronically absent in the 2024–25 school year. That was an improvement from prior years, but it still means attendance is a major issue for many families.²

This article explains the general Michigan process. Individual district policies differ, and families should review their school handbook and any attendance notices they receive.

How many days is 10% of the school year?

In a 180-day school year, 10% is about 18 days. A student does not have to miss 18 days in a row. Repeated single-day absences, partial days, or a pattern of missing school can add up over time.

Chronic absenteeism is a data and intervention measure. It is not exactly the same thing as legal truancy. A child can be chronically absent even when many absences were properly excused.

What will the school usually do first?

Michigan's 2026 attendance guidance encourages schools to address the reasons behind absences rather than relying only on punishment.¹ A school may contact the family, ask about barriers, hold an attendance meeting, create an attendance plan, or connect the family with school or community supports.

• Review the student's attendance record for patterns
• Ask whether transportation, health, housing, bullying, anxiety, or caregiving responsibilities are contributing
• Set short-term attendance goals
• Offer school counseling, nursing, social work, or community referrals
• Increase follow-up when absences continue

Can I get in legal trouble if my child keeps missing school?

Michigan has compulsory-attendance laws, and local attendance officers have authority to respond when a child who is required to attend school is not attending regularly.³ Formal action usually comes after the school or attendance officer has attempted to address the problem, but families should never ignore written notices.

A letter does not automatically mean a parent is being charged with anything. Read it carefully, respond by the stated deadline, and ask exactly what attendance concern the school is documenting.

What if the absences are because of anxiety, depression, or another health condition?

Health conditions are a recognized contributor to chronic absenteeism. Michigan's guidance specifically discusses physical health, mental health, and anxiety as possible barriers to attendance.¹

If a medical or mental-health condition is substantially affecting school access, consider asking whether the student needs a health plan, attendance accommodation, Section 504 evaluation, or special-education evaluation. An IEP or 504 plan does not simply erase attendance expectations, but disability-related supports may be necessary so the child can access school appropriately.

CRP also has plain-language guides to IEPs, 504 plans, and FAPE.

What if my child refuses to go to school?

School refusal can be connected to anxiety, bullying, academic struggles, trauma, sleep problems, family stress, disability, or conflict at school. Treat the refusal as information: something is making attendance difficult.

1. Tell the school what is happening instead of simply reporting the child as absent.
2. Ask for a meeting with the teacher, counselor, social worker, attendance staff, or administrator.
3. Document the pattern: mornings, classes, people, symptoms, and events that make attendance harder.
4. Seek medical or mental-health assessment when appropriate.
5. Ask for a written plan with clear responsibilities for the school and family.

Do excused absences still count toward chronic absenteeism?

Usually, yes. Chronic absenteeism is intended to measure how much instruction a student misses, not whether each absence was blameworthy.¹ That is why a child with repeated legitimate medical absences can still be identified as chronically absent.

The distinction still matters. Excused absences may be treated differently under district policy and truancy procedures, so keep medical notes, appointment records, emails, and other documentation when the school requests them.

What should I do if I receive an attendance warning?

• Check the attendance record for errors
• Ask which absences are excused, unexcused, partial-day, or tardy
• Request the district's attendance policy
• Explain any health, disability, transportation, housing, or safety barriers
• Ask what interventions have already been attempted
• Get the next steps and expectations in writing

The earlier the school and family identify the real reason for the absences, the more options they usually have. The goal should be getting the student connected to education safely and consistently—not simply arguing over a number.

The bottom line

If your child has missed a lot of school in Michigan, do not wait for the problem to become a court or discipline issue. Ask for the attendance record, communicate the reason for the absences, and request support for barriers that are keeping your child from school. Chronic absenteeism is serious, but it is also often a sign that a student or family needs practical help.