A study was conducted of student attrition patterns in magnet schools in St. Louis, Missouri. An attempt was made to identify statistical patterns of attrition and to account further for these patterns by finding correlates in variables investigated through a telephone survey of school parents. Information was gathered for black and white students from three elementary schools and two secondary schools. Among the elementary schools studies, two schools showed significant black-white differences in attrition rates. Higher black attrition appeared linked to a decision regarding school location, while white attrition appeared to be linked to a decision to attend because of the school's specialty program. In the third elementary school no significant black-white differences were found. In the secondary schools no differences in attrition rates were found between black and white students at the same school. (Author/APM)