Absences per Student Before vs. After Cartwheel
Peoria, Illinois
12,600 students across 32 schools
79% free/reduced lunch
Comparison group: Students who did not receive Cartwheel services did not see improved attendance
Sample size: n=141 students who engaged in Cartwheel telehealth services in a 12,600 student urban district (79% free/reduced lunch) during the 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 school years. First bar shows the % of students receiving Cartwheel who were chronically absent in the year they were referred for services. For the same cohort, the second bar shows the % who were chronically absent in a subsequent school year. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent of school days within an academic year.
Absences per Student Before vs. After Cartwheel
↓ 44%
Reduction in
chronic absenteeism
chronic absenteeism
↓ 68%
Fewer suspensions
↓ 90%
Reduction in depression/
anxiety symptoms
anxiety symptoms
Clinical outcomes that support academic success
↑ 5 point
Improvement
In depression symptoms
2x
Engagement
Versus other teletherapy programs
96%
Satisfaction
Reported by students
“Cartwheel has become a key part of our student support infrastructure, delivering measurable improvements in attendance and behavior, and positioning our schools as hubs of comprehensive wellness support.”
What This Meant for Peoria Public Schools
More Instructional
Time
Additional school days means better academic outcomes and improved accountability metrics
Improved School
Climate
Fewer behavioral incidents means less disruption for all students
Better Resource
Allocation
School counselors can focus on tier 1 and tier 2 supports instead of crisis management
Stronger Family
Engagement
Parents receive guidance that improves outcomes at home and school
"Since partnering with Cartwheel, we have observed a noticeable shift away from externalizing behaviors. Aggression against staff has decreased."
Hear from Bria Scott, School Social Worker
What Makes Cartwheel Different
Peoria Public Schools partnered with Cartwheel to remove barriers, integrate with school teams, and address the root causes of attendance and behavior challenges.
Specialized for school outcomes
Therapy, psychiatry, and family support focused on school avoidance, anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.
Rapid access to care
Students are matched with clinicians in 7–10 days instead of waiting months.
Integrated with school teams
Ongoing collaboration with counselors and social workers, shared strategies, and real-time progress updates.
Sustainable through insurance
No costs for families on Medicaid; in-network with military and commercial insurers.
Multilingual care
Students are matched with a clinician who speaks their native language.