Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Contra Costa CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School53.0%49.2%38.6%24.6%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)20.9%22.8%21.7%18.4%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.1%0.1%0.3%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.7%0.9%0.9%1.2%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.6%0.6%0.9%1.9%
Had to Work0.0%0.2%0.1%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.8%0.9%0.9%1.7%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.1%0.1%0.9%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.2%0.1%1.8%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.2%0.8%0.3%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.3%0.5%2.0%
Was Suspended0.2%0.2%0.1%1.1%
Other Reason10.6%8.7%9.1%7.5%
Two or More Reasons12.5%15.6%26.1%38.4%