Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Parent Education Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Los Angeles Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceDid Not Finish High SchoolHigh School DiplomaSome CollegeAt Least 4-Year Degree
Didn’t Miss Any School44.0%44.2%42.2%46.5%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)20.6%21.5%21.1%21.0%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep1.2%0.8%1.0%0.6%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.4%1.9%1.1%1.1%
Had to Work0.3%0.4%0.6%0.7%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.2%1.1%1.0%0.9%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.3%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.2%0.2%0.2%0.2%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.3%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.5%0.3%0.1%0.3%
Was Suspended0.3%0.3%0.2%0.6%
Other Reason9.6%9.4%10.4%10.3%
Two or More Reasons20.0%19.5%21.8%17.6%