Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Ventura CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School43.5%44.5%38.6%40.0%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)24.7%26.4%23.4%16.8%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.1%0.1%0.2%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.7%0.6%0.9%0.7%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.2%0.8%1.4%1.6%
Had to Work0.6%0.2%0.1%0.1%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.0%0.6%0.7%0.5%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.1%0.3%0.4%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.1%0.6%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.3%0.5%0.0%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.1%0.2%0.4%3.0%
Was Suspended0.1%0.2%0.2%1.0%
Other Reason10.7%7.6%7.8%17.1%
Two or More Reasons16.7%18.2%25.5%18.2%