Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Riverside CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School44.4%40.6%35.1%31.7%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)21.8%22.8%22.3%20.5%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.6%0.8%0.9%0.7%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.9%1.3%1.3%2.4%
Had to Work0.2%0.2%0.1%0.2%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.3%1.1%1.1%1.8%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.3%0.2%0.3%0.4%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.1%0.2%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.2%0.2%0.5%0.2%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.2%0.5%0.5%0.6%
Was Suspended0.4%0.5%0.5%1.5%
Other Reason12.4%10.5%10.4%10.4%
Two or More Reasons17.1%21.2%26.8%29.4%