Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

San Luis Obispo CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School43.5%41.5%32.4%22.7%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)26.9%22.8%19.5%26.9%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.3%0.1%0.2%0.0%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.5%0.9%0.6%1.4%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.8%0.7%1.3%1.2%
Had to Work0.0%0.2%0.0%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.1%0.8%1.7%0.5%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.2%0.7%0.5%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.0%0.5%0.4%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.2%0.1%0.5%0.2%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.1%0.5%0.6%0.9%
Was Suspended0.1%0.2%0.3%1.8%
Other Reason12.4%10.8%9.9%6.9%
Two or More Reasons14.0%20.8%31.8%37.1%