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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:

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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. >> ListItem
  • They don’t feel high educational expectations from either their family or school. >> ListItem
  • They believe their parents are too controlling and they want to rebel. >> ListItem
  • They have trouble with schoolwork or feel like they are not as smart as other students. >> ListItem
  • They have drug, alcohol or mental health problems. >> ListItem
  • They regularly miss school or are frequently tardy. >> ListItem
  • They struggle with problems at home, including physical or verbal abuse. >> ListItem
  • They feel like they don’t fit in or have friends at school. >> ListItem
  • Their peers or siblings have dropped out of school. >> ListItem
  • They have poor learning conditions at school—such as overcrowding, high levels of violence and excessive absenteeism. >> ListItem