Edison Elementary Shines with Better Attendance and Stronger Scores

Edison Elementary has made significant progress in encouraging students to attend school more frequently. From 2018 to 2024, Edison reduced its chronic absenteeism rate by over 10 percentage points—dropping from 61.7% to 51.4%. This means more of our scholars are showing up ready to learn each day. Edison was also one of only two schools outside the Detroit Public Schools Community District to make the state’s list of top schools with the biggest attendance improvements—a proud accomplishment for our school community.

The results are already showing in the classroom. With better attendance, scholars are making stronger gains in both i-Ready Math and Reading. More students are meeting their growth goals, proving that being present at school leads to real academic success. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti told Chalkbeat this week that the district’s improvement over the years can be attributed to concentrating attendance agents in neighborhood schools with the most absenteeism, changing the mindset of school leaders, hiring more academic interventionists, and adding physical and mental health support for students and families, among other measures.

At Edison, staff and families have collaborated to enhance attendance through family outreach, engaging student incentives, and classroom supports that keep scholars motivated and eager to attend school each day. From positive phone calls home to recognizing students with strong attendance, these efforts have created a welcoming environment where every child feels valued.

At Edison, we believe every day matters, and together we are building brighter futures for our scholars! Every Day in School Builds a Brighter Future.