Corinth Schools Cut Chronic Absenteeism, State Data Shows

Corinth School District has cut chronic absenteeism sharply, according to the Mississippi Department of Education’s 2025-2026 report, which the Daily Corinthian covered. The Corinth schools chronic absenteeism rate fell to 28.1 percent, down from 37.8 percent the year before.

Corinth schools chronic absenteeism by the numbers

Chronic absenteeism means a student misses 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason, excused or not. Statewide, the rate dropped from 27.6 percent to 26.5 percent. Local figures reported include:

• Corinth School District: 28.1 percent (688 students), down from 37.8 percent.
• Alcorn School District: 20.3 percent, down from 26.3 percent.
• Corinth Elementary: down from 26.7 percent to 22.1 percent.
• Corinth Middle School: down from 39 percent to 34.7 percent.
• Corinth High School: down from 54.4 percent to 31.7 percent.

Superintendent: district is on track

Corinth School District Superintendent John Barnett said the numbers are improving and that the district is on track toward its goals. He also pointed to better average daily attendance at the district’s three schools and said efforts to improve attendance can only help increase student achievement.

Attendance policies being revised

The state report uses the federal definition of absence, and district attendance policies are being revised. Under the rules described, schools must contact parents when a student reaches three absences, and students are limited to five excused absences per semester unless the superintendent approves more for extenuating circumstances.

Parents with questions about attendance requirements should contact their child’s school or district office. For more Alcorn County coverage, see our report on Corinth police safety tips for Halloween.

Source: Daily Corinthian