Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

San Diego Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School41.3%41.7%39.2%26.0%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)25.6%25.4%23.3%20.8%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.0%0.1%0.4%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.5%0.7%0.7%1.7%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.4%1.0%1.6%2.6%
Had to Work0.1%0.1%0.1%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.0%0.7%0.8%1.3%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.2%0.1%0.2%0.4%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.0%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.2%0.4%0.4%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.5%0.4%0.4%
Was Suspended0.4%0.3%0.2%1.3%
Other Reason10.4%8.1%7.6%9.5%
Two or More Reasons18.6%21.2%25.4%35.1%