Fulton County Schools wants every student in a seat at least 95% of the school year. A new districtwide campaign spells out what that means: no more than eight absences.

The district launched its "95% to Thrive" attendance campaign ahead of the Aug. 3 first day of school, introducing it through family communications, classroom discussions, morning announcements, social media and school events. For the roughly 3,600 students at Roswell High School and Centennial High School combined as of the 2024-25 school year, the message is the same as it is across the district: show up.

The push follows a sustained decline in chronic absenteeism. At a November 2025 board presentation on the district's charter system renewal, officials cited a reduction in chronic absenteeism from 37.9% to 14.9%. The district's April 2026 board bulletin showed that improvement continuing, with chronic and severe chronic absenteeism down to 16.7% from 19.0% at the same point in the 2024-25 school year. Statewide, 20.7% of Georgia students missed 10% or more of school days in 2024, according to Georgia Department of Education data reported by North Fulton Today.

Prizes for showing up

To build momentum early, the district ran a "5 to Thrive" incentive during the first five school days, Aug. 3–7. Students who attended every day earned a ticket for a prize drawing that included gift cards, coupons and vouchers. Schools paired the incentive with daily dress-up themes, including "Go Fulton Green" and "Sport your Team."

"Not only were students in class and immediately engaged in active learning, but families were very communicative about enrollments, transfers, and circumstances outside of school," said Jessica Lundy Barksdale, curriculum assistant principal at FCS Innovation Academy. "It was a solid start for a great school year!"

The academy reported its highest attendance rate and fewest absences for the opening week.

"By setting clear expectations early, the '95% to Thrive' campaign helps students internalize that showing up is a key part of being successful throughout their educational journey," said Heards Ferry Elementary School Principal Tara Uremovich. "Even a small number of missed days can disrupt learning momentum, especially in elementary grades where foundational skills build quickly," she added.

What's next

Two more "5 to Thrive" incentive weeks are on the calendar: Sept. 28–Oct. 2 and Feb. 22-24, 2027. Both windows coincide with the district's Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) counts, the enrollment snapshots that determine state funding.

The district has not released school-level absenteeism data for Roswell High or Centennial High. Families can find campaign details on the district's official campaign page.