Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Parent Education Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Los Angeles CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceDid Not Finish High SchoolHigh School DiplomaSome CollegeAt Least 4-Year Degree
Didn’t Miss Any School42.6%43.2%41.6%48.5%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)21.3%23.0%22.8%22.3%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.3%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep1.1%0.8%1.0%1.3%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.3%1.7%1.3%1.0%
Had to Work0.4%0.1%0.5%0.4%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.4%1.3%1.0%0.8%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.4%0.4%0.3%0.3%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.5%0.4%0.3%0.2%
Was Suspended0.4%0.5%0.3%0.3%
Other Reason9.2%8.4%8.9%8.4%
Two or More Reasons20.6%19.8%21.7%16.1%