Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Orange CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School56.3%53.2%45.5%25.2%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)21.4%21.6%21.3%18.7%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.1%0.1%0.3%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.4%0.6%0.8%1.5%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.8%0.8%1.3%3.8%
Had to Work0.2%0.3%0.3%0.4%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.9%0.6%0.7%1.9%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.2%0.2%0.2%0.4%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.1%0.3%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.2%0.6%0.4%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.2%0.3%0.4%1.1%
Was Suspended0.1%0.1%0.1%1.1%
Other Reason8.5%7.6%7.2%8.4%
Two or More Reasons11.0%14.4%21.4%36.3%