High school dropouts are a national problem. Alternatives such as online high school can provide a viable option for some students. Internet schools also called virtual high schools are not the answer for all of the problems that can lead to dropping out, but can often rescue significant numbers of potential drop outs.

Generally, students drop out for two basic reasons. There have been problems at home, or public school has become intolerable to them. The main predictors of dropping out will be reviewed in this article, and whether an online education can provide a solution.

In my view, the guidance that can be provided by a professional case manager would be highly beneficial as soon as a student begins to exhibit predictive signs of dropping out. Typical school counselors are given so many extraneous tasks that they have little time remaining to do actual intervention. When possible, parents should also play as strong role as well.

The first area that is predictive of dropping out is poor academic performance and poor grades. Low grades are reflected in poor self esteem, negative peer acceptance, and general discouragement. Online high school allows the child to catch up in private, recover lost credits, and work at his own pace. .

Failure of one grade or more is also highly predictive of not attaining a diploma. The chances of leaving school before graduating can be more than 90% in those who have been held back grades. Grade retention results in his friends moving up without him, classes becoming repetitive and boring, and graduation slipping further away. The online option can be quite effective in catching the potential drop out.

Behavior problems are another question. Often a “bad crowd” of peers is to blame. What may help is a more controlled, supervised learning environment. An online education can provide this. Badly behaved students will often be punished at school. School can become a mainly punitive experience. Putting the child into an online homeschool may be the solution. The home situation can be monitored and supervised better than the public school free for all.

Behavior problems are difficult to deal with. Online high school may not be for every student. School online will require determination and focus. Without parents able to supervise and mentor, compliance can remain a problem. The cause of the misbehaviors must be addressed, and taken into consideration.

Frequent absence from school, and frequent moves from city to city are strong warnings that dropping out may occur. One great benefit of the internet is that it is portable. Wherever there is a connection, the student can attend class. This is perfect for families that travel a lot, athletes, and teens in other types of training.

When drop outs are questioned, they list dislike for school, parental duties, pregnancy, and job priorities as reasons. In these cases, traditional public school may just be too rigid. This is a good situation where the online school can offer the flexibility necessary for schooling to continue to graduation.

All across the U.S. schools are attacking the problem of drop outs. Online high school, while still in development, will have an increasing role to play. Given the nightmarish consequences of entering life without a high school diploma, this problem demands that every alternative be utilized. There are numerous online high schools to choose from. Finding which one is best for a particular child can save a child from poverty, and lost opportunities.