Louisiana truancy report: Ascension Parish ranks among best for attendance

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — New data shows a sharp difference in student attendance across Louisiana parishes. Ascension Parish had a low truancy rate of only 20.6%. In contrast, Pointe Coupee Parish faced one of the highest rates at 66%.

The Louisiana Department of Education defines truancy as five or more unexcused absences in a semester. For more than a decade, the statewide average hovered around 36%. But in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, that rate has consistently climbed above 40%, according to PAR Louisiana.

According to the data, Tensas Parish experienced the largest increase in truancy. It jumped from 32.4% in 2013 to 67.5% in 2023. At the same time, enrollment fell by half. On the opposite end, East Carroll Parish posted a rate of 24.1% during the 2023–2024 school year.

Highest truancy rates, 2023–24 school year:

• Tensas Parish: 67.5%
• Pointe Coupee Parish: 66%
• St. Bernard Parish: 61.8%
• St. Landry Parish: 61.1%

Lowest truancy rates, 2023–24 school year:

• Ascension Parish: 20.6%
• Red River Parish: 23.6%
• East Carroll Parish: 24.1%
• St. James Parish: 24.5%

PAR Louisiana said the U.S. Department of Education also tracks chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10% of school days. Louisiana’s 22.5% chronic absenteeism rate in 2023–24 was just under the national average of 23%.

Officials warn that high absenteeism is linked to poor academic outcomes and increased risk of dropout.

To tackle the issue, the Louisiana Department of Education and BESE are launching a statewide attendance strategy. This plan includes special support for districts that face the toughest challenges.

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