Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Parent Education Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Oakland Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceDid Not Finish High SchoolHigh School DiplomaSome CollegeAt Least 4-Year Degree
Didn’t Miss Any School35.5%40.2%36.2%39.7%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)22.3%23.1%22.8%25.7%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.4%0.3%0.2%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.8%0.7%0.5%0.5%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School3.1%1.3%2.0%0.8%
Had to Work0.4%0.4%0.3%0.1%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.6%1.3%1.7%0.5%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.4%0.2%0.5%0.2%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.0%0.1%0.0%0.1%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.4%0.2%0.0%0.2%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.7%0.6%0.3%0.5%
Was Suspended0.5%0.1%0.9%0.4%
Other Reason10.9%9.3%8.2%9.6%
Two or More Reasons23.2%21.9%26.2%21.4%