This paper presents findings of a study that examined the role of economic, social, and logistical factors on Ethiopian parents' decisions whether or not to enroll their children in public primary school. Data were obtained from a survey of four rural regions in Ethiopia--130 households per region. Findings indicate that parents made enrollment decisions based primarily on economic conditions. Because formal sector employment is difficult to obtain, many parents elected to keep their children away from school, preferring them to engage in productive household/farming activities. Although parents cited economic opportunity as the primary motivation for sending children to school, they identified economic constraints as the major obstacle for doing so. A positive relationship was found to exist between parental socioeconomic status and their children's enrollment status. A significant relationship was not found between parents' educational level and enrollment of their children. Seven tables are included. (LMI)