iCount Youth Account

Digging In Before Dropping Out

Canada’s dropout rate is more than 8 percent, and of those who do not complete high school, a larger percentage are male.  But it can be much harder to go back to school than it is to drop out in the first place, so a lot of planning and mature decision making needs to go into any choice you make.

Any person who does not get a high school diploma is at severe risk for reduced opportunities in their social circle and in the workplace for their entire life. This is a proven fact.

Why do you want to drop out?

A Job: In Ontario, no employer is permitted to employ workers under 16 during school hours, so job prospects can be slim. 

School work is too hard: There are options in every grade to reduce academic loads or to seek credits in alternatives beyond the traditional classroom.

School work is too easy: There are alternatives to traditional classroom work, such as co-op placements or independent studies.  Work with teachers and administrators to stimulate you to do your best work.

Getting in trouble/suspensions: Making the right choices all the time can be difficult.  If you are committed to getting your high school diploma, but have taken a few rough paths, you may need to convince school authorities you are sincere. Or take your lumps and get on with it as best as possible!

Follow a band: This reason and many others like it would not be a good reason for leaving school.

Famous/Own million-dollar business/Too cool: It is possible to have fame and fortune without a high school diploma, but the percentage of success stories in this category is tiny.  If possible, just get the diploma and then continue your fabulous life.

No matter your reason, the best option is to get the diploma. All is possible, even if you need night classes, summer school or correspondence work. If your reasons for dropping out really are compelling, then present them maturely to the authorities in your life and they may respect your decision.