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 ↓ 68% Fewer suspensions ↓ 90% Reduction in depression/ 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.” Dr. Alexander U. Ikejiaku Associate Superintendent Peoria Public Schools ## 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." Dr. Ann Bond Assistant Superintendent of Student Services ## Hear from Bria Scott, School Social Worker Cartwheel x School Counselor _ Full Story _ CAPTIONED Click for sound ## Why Peoria Needed a Different Approach Like districts nationwide, Peoria recognized growing student mental health needs—and the barriers families faced accessing care. Before Cartwheel, students needing tier 2 and tier 3 support faced: ### 3-6 month waitlists for community providers ### Transportation challenges preventing families from attending appointments ### Language barriers limiting access for 
non-English speaking families ### Overwhelmed school staff managing increasing crises with limited resources The consequences appeared in the data: **rising chronic absenteeism and increasing behavioral incidents**. Students struggling with untreated anxiety, depression, and trauma were missing school, acting out, and falling behind academically. These barriers didn’t just impact well-being—they eroded instructional time and academic progress district wide. ## 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. ## ”Mental health was not just a clinical issue—it was 
an educational access issue. Students can't learn if they're 
not in school.” **Dr. Ann Bond** Asst. Superintendent of Student Services Peoria Public Schools ## “Cartwheel functions as an extension of our district—not a separate vendor. This level of integration has been transformative.” Dr. Alexander U. Ikejiaku Associate Superintendent Peoria Public Schools ## A Proven Model for District Impact Peoria Public Schools' partnership with Cartwheel demonstrates a new standard for mental health services—one that eliminates barriers, delivers measurable results on district priorities, and creates financially sustainable solutions through insurance billing. See how Cartwheel can help your district measurably improve attendance, behavior, and academic engagement.