The Norfolk, Virginia, city school system had the highest secondary school dropout rate in the State for the 1975-76 academic year. In the study discussed in this paper student dropouts are described from data in their academic files. The wish is expressed that by characterizing dropout prone students, something can be done to save them before they leave the school system permanently. A random sample of 25 percent of the city's 1,612 dropouts in 1975-76 was selected for data collection. The data, obtained from individual's academic records, was quantified and eighteen variables were examined statistically. Among these variables were race, sex, age, grade, parent(s) present in the home, parents' occupations, health handicaps, court and special agency records, grade point average, disciplinary notices received, IQ and achievement test performance. Results of the study are presented and are differentiated by race and sex. Areas where improvement could be made in helping dropout prone students are discussed. The potential usefulness of special school agencies is stressed. (Author/GC)