Student attrition refers to the rate at which students leave a school before completing their intended program—the opposite of student retention. If a school enrolls 200 students and 20 leave during the year, it has a 10% attrition rate. For charter and private schools, attrition directly impacts revenue, staffing, program viability, and community stability.

Common causes of attrition include families relocating (often unavoidable), financial constraints, academic fit concerns, social or belonging issues, dissatisfaction with communication or leadership, and transition point vulnerabilities (elementary to middle school, middle to high school). Research shows that high-poverty schools and schools serving students with special needs often experience higher attrition rates.

The most damaging attrition is preventable—families leaving because of issues schools could have addressed if identified earlier. Studies show concerning patterns emerge months before families withdraw: declining student engagement, reduced parent responsiveness, attendance changes, or social struggles. Schools that systematically monitor these indicators and intervene proactively can prevent significant portions of attrition.

National Association of Independent Schools data shows private school attrition averaging 7.8-10.3%, with higher rates during transition years and among certain demographic groups.