Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Merced CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School47.3%41.9%35.1%S
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)23.0%24.7%25.1%S
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.0%0.1%S
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.4%0.5%1.0%S
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.9%1.1%0.9%S
Had to Work0.1%0.0%0.1%S
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.2%1.3%1.2%S
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.0%0.2%S
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.2%S
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.1%0.4%S
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.2%0.3%0.4%S
Was Suspended0.2%0.3%0.4%S
Other Reason11.9%10.9%10.1%S
Two or More Reasons14.2%18.8%24.9%S