Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Los Angeles Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School51.3%48.0%41.5%20.3%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)20.0%18.6%21.7%29.3%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.1%0.1%0.0%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.8%0.6%1.0%0.7%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.8%1.4%1.6%2.5%
Had to Work0.4%0.4%0.5%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.1%1.0%1.0%2.5%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.1%0.1%0.3%0.4%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.0%0.1%0.3%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.0%0.1%0.3%0.0%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.2%0.3%0.0%
Was Suspended0.2%0.5%0.3%0.7%
Other Reason11.6%11.2%10.3%8.7%
Two or More Reasons13.0%17.7%20.9%34.8%