Addressing Structural Barriers in the Eighth-Grade Transition to High School: Improving Graduation Outcomes

High school graduation remains a critical benchmark of educational and social success, yet many students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds struggle to complete high school on time. National and state-level data consistently show that factors such as chronic absenteeism, limited parental engagement, and community-level challenges contribute to persistent graduation gaps. Earning a high school diploma empowers youth to thrive in their communities and the workforce. This quantitative study explored which factors (attendance, transportation, parental involvement, community support, and low socioeconomic status) predict whether eighth-grade students graduate within four years. Using binomial logistic regression, the study revealed that attendance, parental involvement, and socioeconomic status significantly impact graduation likelihood, while gender and transportation do not. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions that boost attendance and family engagement, especially in low-SES communities. The insights gained can shape effective policies to reduce dropout rates and support student success in both urban and rural settings. Keywords: Graduation rates, student attendance, parental involvement, dropout prevention DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-12-01 Publication date: November 30th 2025