Abstract: Both in Lakota and English The high school dropout rate among American Indian students at Rapid City Area Schools' Central High School is higher than for any other student group. The purpose of this study is to examine reasons as to why American Indian students left Central High School from 2005 to 2007. The students involved in this study are currently enrolled in the Rapid City Area Schools' Academies. After a thorough examination of the national and local literature on dropout studies, a survey instrument was developed which incorporated a variety of potential reasons for leaving Central High School, including economic factors, academics, and social issues. What was identified is students leave Central High School for a variety reasons although several patterns emerged which highlighted more early interventions to include both academic and social support. The results of this investigation show additional research needs to include a larger sampling population and additional information on family background and income.