Strategies for Staying in School

Staying in school is the smart thing to do but your problems— either at home or in school—won’t go away just because you want them to. You have to figure out how to turn things around so that you can stay in school. Here are some suggestions from teachers, counselors, and former dropouts themselves.

Ask for help

This is probably the key. If you have serious personal problems, such as abusive or drug-addicted parents, try to find someone in your family that you can trust. If there is no one, talk to a guidance counselor, favorite teacher, or a minister or rabbi. If you are a victim of physical or sexual abuse, tell someone immediately. Guidance counselors and clergy will know whom to contact in social services. No one should live in a dangerous situation. And there are...