Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Kern CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School47.1%35.0%30.2%26.5%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)22.0%26.2%23.7%20.2%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.1%0.1%0.4%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.9%0.7%0.7%1.3%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.4%1.2%1.1%2.7%
Had to Work0.2%0.4%0.3%0.5%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.2%1.2%1.2%1.4%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.2%0.2%1.0%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.1%0.4%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.2%0.6%0.3%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.5%0.5%0.8%
Was Suspended0.3%0.3%0.4%1.5%
Other Reason10.9%9.8%10.5%10.0%
Two or More Reasons15.1%24.1%30.4%33.1%