Retention means repeating one or more courses in high school, rather than a full grade. Over 3,500 high school students were retained in 2011-12 in Wake County Public School (WCPSS), with the largest numbers in grades 9 and 10. Some students enter high school below grade level. In 2011-12, half the WCPSS high schools had greater than 30% of students entering 9th grade below grade level in reading and greater than 20% below grade level in mathematics based on end-of-grade (EOG) scores from grade 8. Of retained students in grade 9: nearly two-thirds failed English I; more than half failed science and social studies; and nearly half failed mathematics. In addition, 1 in 5 retained students in grade 9 passed English I, but were missing credit in another course subject. While high schools have resources for students performing below grade level (e.g.,"bridging" courses and general supports) the supports examined were limited and/or underutilized, with the exception of mathematics support courses. Fewer than 15% of students who entered high school below grade level were enrolled in a reading support course. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that staff: identify and utilize early indicators to determine students in need of extra support; find ways to increase the availability and usage of middle and high school supports for struggling students and monitor their success; and examine practices that may help lower retention rates. The following are appended: (1) Percentage of Retained High School Students in 2011-12 by Percentage of Students Entering High School Below Grade Level in Reading; (2) Summary of Logistic Regression Analysis for Variables Predicting In-Grade Retention in 2011-12; and (3) School-Based Programs Targeting High School Students with Weak Academic Performance.