A grade seven through twelve student who left school prior to completing the school year and had not returned by Information Day (a day in October when students throughout the state and are counted and enrollment is determined). This does not include students who receive a General Education Development (GED) or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate, transfer to another high school or to a college, move out of the United States, are suspended or sick that day, or enrolled late. (Ed Source)

someone who quits school before graduation

a student who leaves school before graduating

a student who was enrolled at any time during the previous year, is not enrolled at the beginning of the current year, and has not graduated or transferred to another school

Withdrawal from attending education or training resulting in a failure to meet the course objectives. Comment: this term designates both the process (early school leaving) and the persons (early school leavers) who fail to complete a course; besides early school leavers, dropouts may also include learners who have completed education or training but failed the examinations. Source: adapted from The international encyclopaedia of education

Any student, grades nine through 12, who leaves school for any reason, except death, before graduation or completion of a program of studies and who does not transfer to another school.