Yes. In NYS, education is mandatory for all students from age 6 through 16. A student can dropout of school at the end of the school year that they turn 16. However, the law allows school districts to set a higher age limit for dropping out. Check with your school district.

Yes, at least for some students. Students who become disengaged from school and develop disciplinary problems are more likely to drop out.

Students who struggle in the classroom and fall behind academically are more likely to drop out. Low grades, low test scores, Fs in English and math, falling behind in course credits, and being held back one or more times all have been linked to lower chances for graduation.

81% of students who dropout said that they wanted teachers to make the classes more interesting. This would have led to less conflicts for them. Many students have trouble with their peers, often becoming the victims of bullying or other violence. This leads to dropping out.

Among persons aged 18 to 20, the rate of illicit drug use was higher among school dropouts.

Teenagers who take on adult responsibilities - becoming a parent, getting married, and holding down a job - are also more likely to leave school without a diploma.

Yes, there is a difference between these diplomas. While both are high school diplomas, the Regents diploma is given when a students has enough credits to graduate and has passed a minimum of five Regents tests. The GED is an equivalency diploma that is given after a student passes a series of five tests that measures basic competency in reading, writing, social studies, math, and science. The GED may limit a student’s ability to get into college or even the military. However, many two-year colleges and technical or trade schools will accept the GED.

He misses a lot of school—at least 10 days a semester—for no real reason. Missing school for no reason or even excessive absences from school can be a warning sign. The more school that is missed, the harder it is for students to catch up on work. She is held back a grade or is failing a course. Grade retention at any level is associated with high school dropout later on. About 1 out 3 students who dropout had failing grades in school. His parents dropped out of school. Students who have a mother who dropped out of high school, have parents who provide low support for learning, or have parents who do not know their friends’ parents well also are placed at greater risk.