Durham Public Schools focuses on attendance for 2026-27 academic year

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Monday marked the first day of classes for year-round Durham Public Schools students. Thousands are returning to the classroom. Keeping those students in school is the focus for district leaders this school year.

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The first school drop-off was an emotional one for Brittany Caldwell.

“It’s exciting, new beginnings,” Caldwell said. “My first baby, she’s already in first grade. It’s bittersweet, but we’re excited.”

Caldwell and her daughter, Joi, practiced letters and numbers all summer long.

“I basically didn’t want her to unlearn what she learned, so it’s important to sometimes, even if it’s 15-20 minutes a day, to at least keep the memory somewhat fresh,” Caldwell said. 

She wants to make sure her daughter is set up for success.

Durham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis is making sure to welcome students himself as they arrive on the first day of school for year-round students.

“We certainly are excited about the momentum and the progress that we’ve been making over the past couple of years, despite the challenges that we’ve had to overcome,” Dr. Lewis said.

One of the superintendent’s biggest challenges is ensuring students come to school all year long.

DPS reported that 37.3% of their students were chronically absent during the first six months of instruction last school year. Their data showed that more than half of those students were at the high school level.

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“We have some ways that we’ll continue to enhance our two-way communication with our families to make sure that they understand the importance of coming to school each and every day,” Dr. Lewis said.

Among the largest districts in the state, DPS reported the highest levels of chronic absenteeism at the start of the last school year. Attendance is something the superintendent will ask parents for help with this year.

“It’s more than just compliance and attendance, compulsory laws,” Dr. Lewis said. “What we know is that when students come to school every single day, they learn.”

With more than 4,000 students in Durham now back to school, parents like Caldwell are excited for the learning and the new chapter in their children’s lives.

“She woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed – ‘Mommy, I’m ready to get dressed. Let’s do it,’” Caldwell said. “I’m happy she loves learning.”

Early colleges and specialty schools will open their doors on Aug. 6. Traditional schools will start on Aug. 24.

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