Lake Chelan Schools prioritizing student attendance

CHELAN - In a time when schools across Washington are facing rising rates of absenteeism, the Lake Chelan School District is giving the community something to celebrate. 

According to new data from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), 77.4% of students in the Lake Chelan School District attended school at least 90% of the time during the 2023–24 school year. That’s well above the statewide average of 72.7%, and each of the district’s main schools—Morgen Owings Elementary, Chelan Middle School, and Chelan High School—outperformed the state. 

For district leaders, the numbers are encouraging—but not surprising. “When students know they belong, they’re more likely to show up,” said Superintendent Brad Wilson. “Our schools work hard to build meaningful relationships with students and families. This success is the result of our entire community investing in kids.” 

Educators across the district have focused on creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments. When students begin to miss school, staff reach out to understand what’s going on and offer help. Whether it’s a ride to school, a health issue, or social challenges, the goal is to remove obstacles so students can attend consistently. The district also promotes a culture of connection and celebration, recognizing students with strong attendance and reinforcing the message that showing up matters. 

“This is about more than just a number,” Wilson said. “When students are here, they learn more, they connect with others, and they build the habits that will carry them through high school and beyond.” 

Experts agree that regular attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of student success. 

Even missing just two days of school per month—about 18 days over a year—can negatively impact academic performance and increase the likelihood of falling behind or dropping out later on. With nearly 60% of students identified as low-income and over 28% learning English, the 

district’s attendance gains are especially meaningful. They reflect a strong commitment to meeting the needs of all students—whatever their background or circumstance. 

“We’re proud of our students, our staff, and our families,” Wilson added. “It takes a whole community to keep kids on track, and Chelan is showing what’s possible when we come together.” 

Looking ahead, district leaders say they will continue to build on this momentum. Attendance remains a key focus, and schools are committed to early intervention, ongoing communication with families, and making every day of school one that students won’t want to miss. Whether it’s a kindergartner just starting out, a middle schooler finding their voice, or a high school senior preparing for what’s next, the message is clear: every day counts.