In Robbinsdale Area Schools, we want every student to feel connected, supported, and successful—and consistent attendance plays a major role in that.

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to meet important learning milestones (including early reading proficiency), stay engaged in school, and graduate ready for what comes next. Research also shows that students who are behind in reading by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out later on. That’s why every day matters—not just for learning today, but for long-term success.

Attendance supports the whole child

Regular attendance supports student growth in many ways, including:

• stronger sense of belonging and connection
• social and emotional development
• reading proficiency and academic progress
• test scores and overall achievement
• graduation rates

What is chronic absenteeism?

Students are considered chronically absent when they miss 10% of the school year—about 2 days per month. Students who miss that much school are more likely to experience:

• gaps in learning
• disconnection from peers and school staff
• increased academic and social challenges over time

Attendance affects more than one student

Absences don’t just impact the student who is missing school. When teachers have a constantly shifting group of students due to absences, it can slow classroom instruction and disrupt learning for everyone. Consistent attendance helps classrooms stay steady, supportive, and moving forward—so all students can benefit.

A stronger future for students and our community

When students graduate from high school, they have more choices, more stability, and stronger long-term economic opportunities. Graduation also strengthens our community—students who are engaged in school are less likely to be involved in risky behaviors, and more likely to contribute positively as adults.

Every day matters. Every connection matters. And every student belongs here.

In general, students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year in order to stay engaged, successful, and on track academically.

Missing 10% of the school year—about 2 days per month—can have a real impact on a student’s learning and growth, including academic progress, social development, and emotional well-being.

Attendance matters at every grade level. Every year builds on the one before it, and daily learning can be difficult to replace.

The benefits of strong attendance begin as early as preschool and kindergarten. Building consistent routines early helps students learn that school is important—and that they belong there.

Research shows that students with strong attendance (missing 9 days or fewer) in kindergarten and first grade are more likely to be reading at grade level by the end of third grade compared to peers who miss more school.

Attending school regularly also helps children feel better about school—and about themselves.

Starting early with attendance routines helps students build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop habits that support long-term success.

To report an absence, please call your child’s school directly. If possible, report absences as early as you can on the day your child will be out.

Elementary Schools

FAIR School Pilgrim Lane
763-504-8410

Forest Elementary
763-504-7910

Lakeview Elementary
763-504-4110

Meadow Lake Elementary
763-504-7710

Neill Elementary
763-504-7410

Noble Elementary
763-504-4010

Northport Elementary
763-504-7810

Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School (RSI)
763-504-4410

School of Engineering and Arts (SEA)
763-504-7210

Sonnesyn Elementary
763-504-7610

Zachary Lane Elementary
763-504-7310

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Middle Schools

FAIR School Crystal
763-971-4510

Plymouth Middle School
763-504-7110

Robbinsdale Middle School
763-504-4810

Sandburg Middle School
763-504-8210

Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (Grades 6–12)
763-504-8710

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High Schools

Armstrong High School
763-504-8810

Cooper High School
763-504-8510

Robbinsdale Academy-Highview
763-504-8700

Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (Grades 6–12)
763-504-8710