High School Dropout

The high school dropout rate not only indicates the success of a school system; it forecasts possible social and economic problems to come. The Hampton Roads dropout rate exceeds the state average and is the fourth highest among Virginia's regions.

Why is This Important?

The high school dropout rate is one measure of the success of the public elementary and secondary educational system. Moreover, because high school dropouts are at higher risk of unemployment and other social ills, dropout rates are a leading indicator of potential future problems for individuals and their communities. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February 2009 the national unemployment rate for those without a high school degree was 4.3 percentage points higher than those who had graduated from high school.

How is Hampton Roads Doing?

High School Dropout Rate, By RegionThe Hampton Roads region's high school dropout rate for a cohort of students that entered ninth grade four years earlier improved in 2008-09 to 8.84 percent from 9.28 percent in 2007-08. This rate was higher than the state average of 7.93 percent. Within Virginia, the Hampton Roads region had the second highest four-year high school dropout rate. The Eastern region had the highest rate at 10.91 percent. The Northern region had the lowest rate at 6.48 percent.

What Influences High School Dropout?

One of the most significant factors influencing high school dropout rates is family income. According to the U.S. Department of Education, students from low-income families are six times more likely to drop out of high school than students from high-income families.

High School Dropout Rate, Grades 7-12, By Region. Read text for explanation.

Data Definitions and Sources

Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Cohort Reports (updated annually in November)

See the Data Sources and Updates Calendar for a detailed list of the data resources used for indicator measures on Hampton Roads Performs.

At a Glance: High School Dropout

Performance: Maintaining

Highlight: High School dropout rates in the region exceed the state average.

Students in class
Additional Information

Hampton Performance Learning Center (PLC) is a unique non-traditional learning environment for high school students who have not been successful in traditional schools for various reasons other than ability. The program offers students the opportunity to accelerate their learning, using a computer-based curriculum and project-based instruction. The Performance Learning Center is operated and funded through the partnership of Communities In Schools of Virginia and Hampton City Schools.

Hampton Roads Children of the Sun Athletic/Education Foundation sponsors the annual Hampton Roads Youth Leadership Conference. The region's first Dropout Prevention Summit was held in 2009. Throughout the year, HRCOTS youth and adult members also plan and implement leadership training and business ventures to develop skills for both youth and adults. Call (757) 855-5358.

America's Promise Alliance, founded in 1997 with retired Army Gen. Colin Powell as chairman, is a cross-sector partnership of more than 300 corporations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and advocacy groups passionate about improving lives and changing outcomes for children through dropout prevention.

The National Dropout Prevention Center/Network (NDPC/N) serves as a clearinghouse on issues related to dropout prevention and offers strategies designed to increase the graduation rate in America's schools.  

Drop Out Risk Factors and Exemplary Programs -- A Technical Report (PDF) is a comprehensive study of the dropout crisis that is nationwide, highlighting risk factors or conditions that significantly increase the likelihood that a child will drop out of school as well as exemplary programs that address those risks.