Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Santa Cruz CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School41.9%43.8%43.9%26.9%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)26.1%26.6%22.9%17.8%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.0%0.0%0.0%0.1%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.7%0.8%0.6%2.2%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.7%0.9%0.4%0.0%
Had to Work0.3%0.1%0.1%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.6%0.4%0.7%1.8%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.4%0.2%0.0%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.0%0.1%0.1%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.2%0.1%0.4%0.0%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.4%0.1%0.9%
Was Suspended0.2%0.3%0.2%2.0%
Other Reason10.4%7.4%5.3%6.7%
Two or More Reasons18.5%18.7%25.2%41.4%