Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

San Diego CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School47.2%45.9%40.4%27.1%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)23.2%22.4%22.0%17.3%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.1%0.1%1.0%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.5%0.6%0.8%0.7%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.9%1.0%1.3%3.5%
Had to Work0.1%0.4%0.2%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.1%0.8%0.9%2.0%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.2%0.2%0.2%0.9%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.1%0.1%0.5%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.1%0.3%0.6%0.3%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.4%0.5%0.6%
Was Suspended0.2%0.3%0.3%1.0%
Other Reason11.2%9.0%8.7%10.0%
Two or More Reasons14.7%18.5%24.1%35.2%