Virginia is leading the nation in lowering cases of chronic absenteeism, according to Governor Youngkin.

"We've gone to work to make sure that intensive tutoring is available so that we can address the massive learning loss that was unleashed on our children by unprecedented school closures and unnecessary school closures," Youngkin said.

According to the Virginia Department of Education, in the 2022-2023 school year, chronic absenteeism sat at 19.3 percent.

In 2023-2024, it decreased to 16.1 percent.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, which equates to about 18 days of the 180-day year.

Last school year, Danville's rate was 17 percent.

So far this year, that number has decreased to 16 percent.

Olivia McCraw, director of assessment and state reporting for Danville Public Schools, attributes this to Saturday schooling and a Second Chance Bus Program for students who miss their ride.

"What I think kids know and need is structure and I think that going to school regularly helps maintain that type of structure, being on a schedule, it also means that students aren't missing learning," McCraw said.

Last year, Campbell County had a 14.28 percent rate of chronic absenteeism.

So far this year, that number has gone down to 12.49 percent.

Dr. Amy Hale, the assistant superintendent for Campbell County Schools, said a lot of it comes down to messaging.

"Championing the message that every day matters for attendance and also working with families as they have situations that may come up and really developing those relationships," Hale said.

Hale said they also offer tutoring and after-school learning to make up time and instruction.

School leaders said parents and communication play a crucial role in attendance.