One of the concerns expressed by educators nationwide is the alarmingly high numbers of students who withdraw from schools before graduating. In response to this concern, the Austin Independent School District interviewed 95 dropouts in their homes, asking them why they left school and what could have been done that would have enabled them to remain in school. Responses indicated that no one issue could fully explain school withdrawal. Social, personal, and academic issues were interwoven; however, school related issues were the most commonly mentioned, with inadequate academic preparation, especially in reading and writing, mentioned as a primary reason for withdrawal. The ability to work was the most commonly cited advantage to dropping out, although employment concerns were also listed as the primary disadvantage. The findings suggest that providing all students with the opportunity to develop basic academic skills in the early grades could reduce the number of dropouts. (JAC)