Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Oakland Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School44.5%39.5%37.5%18.6%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)22.5%23.6%24.6%20.2%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.5%0.2%0.1%0.7%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.4%0.9%0.6%1.9%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.5%1.7%1.5%4.3%
Had to Work0.2%0.3%0.2%0.7%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.0%1.0%1.5%1.7%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.5%0.3%0.5%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.3%0.1%0.1%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.1%0.4%0.5%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.4%0.7%0.5%1.0%
Was Suspended0.3%0.2%0.3%1.4%
Other Reason10.7%10.6%9.5%11.9%
Two or More Reasons17.7%20.7%23.0%36.7%