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

Year(s): 2017-2019

Santa Maria Joint Union High (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceDid Not Finish High SchoolHigh School DiplomaSome CollegeAt Least 4-Year Degree
Didn’t Miss Any School46.6%38.5%36.2%43.0%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)19.9%22.9%26.2%23.1%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.0%0.0%0.4%0.2%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.7%0.7%1.0%0.7%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.7%1.9%0.7%0.6%
Had to Work0.0%0.2%0.0%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.3%1.2%0.8%0.8%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.4%0.0%0.1%0.0%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.4%0.1%0.3%0.4%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.2%0.2%0.1%0.7%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.7%0.7%0.3%0.4%
Was Suspended1.1%0.7%0.7%0.1%
Other Reason8.3%11.3%7.9%9.1%
Two or More Reasons18.6%21.7%25.1%21.0%