Is Dropping Out of High School Acceptable?

It's a lot HARDER? That's a new one to me. Seems a lot easier. I've known several brilliant kids who gave up on school because it was too easy for them. I agree with you completely on why school is important. I think the most important things a good school teaches is how to think critically and how to be responsible. Any school should at least teach the latter. I see very few reasons to drop out of school, and both are extremes. First- High school has no benefit and could be becoming detrimental. Kids in urban areas with poor education, and a poor and bankrupt school system often don't benefit from finishing high school as much as they benefit from starting a career in a trade and working up, or something similar. Second- The student is so far beyond the high school level it is rediculous to hold them there. Though in this case they would presumably want to go on to college, and would aim for graduating early rather than just dropping out.

I've known a few people who dropped out of school. None of them end up in cozy, middle class jobs. Not to say it isn't possible, and not to say that there's anything wrong with the other jobs. But kids should be aware of what they are REALLY doing when they consider quitting school.

I guess each person must choose their path in life, but if my kids dropped out of high school, you can bet it wouldn't be for long. I would personally escort them to school if I had to. I had siblings who dropped out and finished up later with alternative schools and/or GED's. It was fine, they went on to college with no problems, but I would be pretty dang upset if my kids tried to pull that on me.

I almost dropped out of school, despite being a good student. I was tired of being harassed on a regular basis. I ended up changing schools. Something I have noticed is that a lot, but not all, jobs require only a GED or diploma. Those jobs not requiring specialized classes (such as electricians) usually don't care, it's all the same in their eyes. There are a hundred ways that a child can learn responsibility and dedication without attending public high school, or without attending any high school. Honestly, I don't remember a dang thing I learned in high school except what "marazmus" (sp?) is, what a rider on an insurance policy is, and the titles of a few good, but not considered to be classic novels are.... And I was one of those students who got grades good enough to graduate high school before I could legally drive. My valedictorian on the other hand, was handed lots of scholarships and she wasn't even aware that there are 50 states in the US and 51 if you count Puerto Rico. The valedictorian was not of great reputation and had been reprimanded for drinking alcohol on school field trips. She and I applied for all the same scholarships, and she won them all. The differences between she and I: She cheated, I didn't. Most people knew her, while I was extremely private and withdrawn.

Many school and states now make higher minimum graduation requirements.. I live in Illinois and it requires 4 years of Language Arts, 2 years of intensive writing classes, 3 years of math (one must be algebra, one must be geometry), 2 social studies (one must be American History and/or Government), 1 year of either: art, foreign language, sign language, vocational education, or music. The page I just read has made no mention of Health courses or Physical education courses... Which is sad, because is learning French more important than our children knowing how to keep their weight and cardio health in order? Is knowing how to sing in a certain key more important than children learning basic parenting and child care skills? Those types of things mentioned prior are only going to help if the student is going into a very specified field of study or if they live in/move to a very diverse environment or go into political studies.

By "continuation education" I assume that you're meaning what many call "alternative schools"? I nearly went to one in between my sophmore and last year of high school because I*wasn't* able to learn in the environment I was in. Most of the students were disruptive, many of them got good grades, etc only because they belonged to a certain sports team or club. I got groped on in a class where I was the only female student. I was even called a b!@ch by a staff member after having a conversation with the school principal about her - in front of my entire class. While I certainly want my child to be a responsible and productive citizen, I feel that there is NO need to subject her the type of hostile learning environment.

Honestly after reviewing GED material with someone, I found it to be equally as difficult to complete and pass GED classes. There are a couple of other alternatives such as AmeriCorps and Job Corps, but I DO NOT.. DO NOT DO NOT recommend Job Corps, from personal experience (which if you want to know more about that, feel free to send me a private message). Another thing is to remind your students that many states do NOT allow dropouts to obtain or keep their driver's license if they are under the age of 18 - BIGGER incentive to stay enrolled. Most well adjusted kids won't drop out, regardless of what their plans for the future are. If they are desiring to do so.. I'd be digging into what is going on at school and in their personal life... Digging deep.

No, I think it is better to go, get your grades, get your diploma, and get a good job worthy of your education. My middle brother dropped out, because he was influenced to do so by his friends. He did get his G.E.D., and was able to get into college where he learned a decent trade. If that is what's needed, then more power to anyone to become a success

When I was growing up, I was one of those kids that thought about dropping out well before I even got old enough to actually be able to drop out. I just hated school and hated dealing with the people that went there, I wanted to drop out. Thankfully, I ended up not going through with my plans and I'm just finishing up my last semester of college. I'm waiting for my degree to be written up as we speak.

I'm glad I didn't drop out. If I had, I'm not sure I would have gone back and if I had dropped out, I wouldn't really make much out of my life. It's just not possible to really do much of anything anymore without a highschool diploma.

IF I had kids, I'd KILL them if they dropped out.

In my opinion I believe that finishing High School should be one of the most important things you should do. College is a good thing as well, but in order to get anywhere you should by all mean atleast finish high school.

Dropping out of school is not an option for my children and they know it. My oldest graduated and married a girl who dropped out in Feb of her senior year. Now she has a hard time finding a job of any kind except for McDonalds. My son keeps telling her to go and get her GED at least so she can then go to college.

I have a son who will be graduating this year. He has no interest to drop out of school. He is looking forward to going and visiting colleges this year.

My other 2 children know it is important to get a proper education. They will both finish high school and then go to college.

Well if I ever have children I wouldnt want them to drop out of high school becuse I understand the importance of completing your education, and at the very least I would want them to graduate high school, also becuse I've seen first hand how difficult life can be without it. sure a person can always get there GED, but its not really the same as getting a full high school diploma. and I wouldnt want any future I might have, to wake up one day and regret not finishing high school.

Now dont get me wrong theres nothing wrong with getting a GED. in fact I applaud those who didnt give up on completing there high school equivalency/education. but you asked if dropping out of high school is acceptable well, for me my answer would be no, but everyone has different views on things especially when comes to education, but as I said I defintly would not want my children to drop out of high school.

I think that if teens intend to drop out of high school, the next step is that they plan to learn a trade, and that they are not planning to Idle. If teens don't do something possitive with their lives they are going to regret it. I don't support the dropping out of hight school thing,but if the dropping out or kicking out happens, they should get themselves involve in something that will affect their lives in a possitive way that will help them in the future.