Average Daily Attendance
Full definition — Average Daily Attendance (ADA) is a metric used by many states, including North Carolina, to calculate enrollment-based funding for public schools. It represents the average number of students present each day over a defined period. Since charter school funding is largely driven by per-pupil allocations, ADA directly impacts the school's revenue. Chronic absenteeism can significantly reduce funding, making attendance tracking and improvement critical operational priorities.
Why It Matters
ADA is the primary driver of a charter school's operating revenue. Board members should monitor attendance trends, understand how ADA is calculated in their state, and support school-level strategies to improve daily attendance.
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