Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Alameda CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School54.9%51.5%41.3%20.8%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)21.7%21.3%21.5%20.7%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.1%0.1%0.2%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.4%0.6%0.7%1.4%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.8%0.9%1.1%3.8%
Had to Work0.1%0.1%0.1%0.4%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.7%0.6%0.7%1.0%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.2%0.2%0.3%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.1%0.6%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.1%0.7%0.2%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.2%0.3%0.5%1.4%
Was Suspended0.1%0.1%0.2%1.3%
Other Reason8.9%7.8%8.1%9.7%
Two or More Reasons12.0%16.3%24.7%38.2%