In Maryland, Local School Systems collect data on the reasons why students drop out of school; these often include mobility, lack of interest, and disciplinary reasons. From 2016 to 2017, the percentage of public high school students who dropped out of high school slightly increased from 2.6% to 2.8%. Maryland remains below the 2015 National Average Dropout rate of 5.9% for 16 to 24 year olds not in school and not high school graduates.

In order to address this issue, the Maryland State Department of Education produced the Dropout Prevention Resource Guide. This guide, the first of its kind in the United States, highlights evidence-based programs and lists local school systems’ dropout prevention programs and initiatives. Recognizing that many dropouts have been suspended before they leave school, the Maryland State Department of Education also engaged in discipline reform in 2013, and the Maryland State Board of Education adopted The Maryland Guideline for a State Code of Discipline in July 2014.

Systemically, school-based interventions begin with Student Support Teams. These school-based teams of educational professionals meet monthly to discuss students who are struggling maintaining academics, behavior, and attendance. Student Support teams identify school-based strategies to help students become successful. If students remain unsuccessful, they are referred to Pupil Personnel Workers.

Local School Systems utilize their Pupil Personnel Workers to support students at-risk for dropout. Pupil Personnel Workers provide supports to families and students through case management on student attendance, behavior, and performance. Moreover Pupil Personnel Workers can identify and connect services for a student through State or local agencies.

As mentioned earlier, the Dropout Prevention Resource Guide offers listings of dropout prevention programs and initiatives in Maryland's Local School Systems.

The percent of public school students, grade 9 - 12, who withdrew from school before graduation or before completing a Maryland-approved educational program during the July to June academic year and are not known to have enrolled in another high school program during the academic year.

Some confusion with the data for this indicator.. See file section for another source with different data.