Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Los Angeles CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School50.9%48.1%40.6%22.6%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)22.0%20.8%23.0%24.6%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.2%0.2%0.4%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.5%0.7%1.7%1.3%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.1%1.3%1.3%2.7%
Had to Work0.1%0.4%0.4%0.4%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.2%0.9%1.0%2.4%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.2%0.1%0.2%0.3%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.2%0.5%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.2%0.6%0.1%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.3%0.4%0.5%
Was Suspended0.2%0.4%0.2%1.9%
Other Reason9.8%9.9%8.4%9.6%
Two or More Reasons13.5%16.6%21.9%32.8%