Public School Dropouts

Description of Indicator
This indicator represents the count of students between 7th and 12th grades who have withdrawn from school during a single school year. Dropout is defined as a student who, for any reason other than death, leaves school before graduation without transferring to another school/institution.

Why is it important?
The importance of high school completion has increased over the past half century. Education is a driving force behind local and regional economies, and each county’s dropout rate is a key factor that impacts its future.

How is the region performing?
Dropout rates declined prior to and during the pandemic, but they increased in all three counties during the 2021- 2022 academic year.