The issue of high school dropouts in America is both serious and important. Statistics, socioeconomic factors that most dropouts may face, preventative methods, and alternative forms of education that can help students still receive an education will be discussed. Dropping out of high school can lead a student to a more likely future of hardships and low functioning in a more educated and fast passed society. I feel that the legal dropout age should be 18 and teachers and administrators should work hard in helping prevent students from dropping out of school with the help of preventative methods and programs.