First find the number of absent students: 2 students * 3 - 1= <<2*3-1=5>>5 students
Now find the number of students in each row of desks: 6 desks/row * 2 students / 3 desks = 4 students/row
Now find the number of students in all the rows: 4 rows * 4 students/row = <<4*4=16>>16 students
Now add the students that are absent or in the bathroom: 16 students + 2 students + 5 students = <<16+2+5=23>>23 students
#### 23