Two Powerful Turnarounds Thanks to CIS

A senior who had struggled with extreme chronic absenteeism—missing 86 days freshman year, 72 sophomore year, and 38 junior year (when she first joined CIS)—barely passed classes and rarely attended. This year, we set a shared goal to end the pattern of chronic absence. With steady support, she’s now missed only 14 days with just 15 left in her senior year, is passing all classes, and has applied to college—a huge leap forward.

A second-year sophomore arrived distrustful, frequently in trouble, failing classes, skipping, and absent often. This year we built a strong bond; she opened up about her life, started asking for help, improved her behavior, and is on track to pass everything. She’s become kind, helpful, and engaged—and for the first time, she sees a positive future for herself and talks excitedly about her potential. These stories show how patient relationship-building and targeted support can transform attendance, academics, and hope.