Why Students Drop Out
When students leave school, it’s usually not a decision they made overnight. Typically it’s a process that happens over time. Learn how students get off track, how you can recognize the warning signs, and what you can do to help.
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Dropout Reasons
There’s no single reason.
Students drop out of school for a number of different reasons—and it’s typically a combination of many issues. Here are some of the top reasons students give for leaving school:- Classes aren’t interesting
- Parents/family/adults have low expectations
- Poor attendance
- Failing in school
- Family responsibilities (work, caring for siblings, etc.)
- Becoming a parent
- Too much freedom
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Warning Signs
What to watch for. There are specific factors to watch for in students who are likely to drop out of school. If you see one or more of these signs, get involved! You can give these students the Boost they need to stay in school.
- They don’t feel challenged in school.
- They don’t feel high educational expectations from either their family or school.
- They believe their parents are too controlling and they want to rebel.
- They have trouble with schoolwork or feel like they are not as smart as other students.
- They have drug, alcohol or mental health problems.
- They regularly miss school or are frequently tardy.
- They struggle with problems at home, including physical or verbal abuse.
- They feel like they don’t fit in or have friends at school.
- Their peers or siblings have dropped out of school.
- They have poor learning conditions at school—such as overcrowding, high levels of violence and excessive absenteeism.
Everyone can make a difference.
It’s simple. The more you get involved in a student’s education, the more likely he or she is to succeed. Test scores, attitude and behavior, even the likelihood of graduation and a college education—they’re all greatly affected by your involvement.
The goal is to show students that their education is important. Regardless of your level of education, there are simple things you can do to help. Make sure they wake up on time for school every single day. Reward effort and achievement. Show interest in their classes. No matter what you do, the most important thing is to show students that someone cares and is invested in their education.