Attendance Matters: Understanding School Avoidance

Every day of school is important and provides an opportunity for students to learn and connect with peers and teachers. Even two absences a month (excused or unexcused) can significantly impact student learning. For some families, school avoidance can contribute to challenges in learning – but to combat it, it’s important to first understand what it is. 

What is School Avoidance? 

School avoidance is when a child refuses to attend school or has difficulty remaining in school the entire day. It can start by missing a day or two sporadically over a few of your child’s school years and slowly increase from there. 

School avoidance may look like: 

• Full day absences from school 
• Going to school but leaving early 
• Going to school, but only after crying, hiding, having an outburst, or refusing to move 
• Faking illness to miss a day of school or having physical symptoms related to anxiety (e.g., headache, nausea, etc.)  
• Showing unusual distress about going to school and begging you not to make them go 

I Think My Child May Have School Avoidance, What Can I Do to Help? 

Contact your child’s school team 

Reach out to your student’s school team to discuss your concerns and hear about supports such as school-based counseling, parent support group offerings, and 504 accommodation plans.  

Supporting a child in working through their school avoidance can be overwhelming, painful and feel hopeless at times.  

Please know you do not have to solve this heavy task alone. Your child’s school team is available and eager to partner with you. We welcome and encourage you to reach out to us with your concerns. 

Make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician 

Consider making an appointment with your child’s pediatrician or family doctor to rule out any medical complications that could be interfering with your child’s ability to attend school regularly. Common barriers to attendance include problems with sleep and untreated anxiety or depression. Thankfully, there are evidence-based treatments that can help such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication.