A sample of dropouts is surveyed to determine their reasons for dropping out of school and to assess the factors currently used by the Dade County (Florida) school system to identify at-risk students. Data from telephone surveys of a randomly-selected sample of 2,779 persons who dropped out of grades 7 through 12 during 1986-87, 1987-88, and 1988-89; and data from school surveys concerning 447 at-risk students and 421 regular students are analyzed. The results show that at-risk students, not dropouts, have the lowest academic achievement test scores and the lowest self-esteem of the three groups, possibly because the dropout's self-esteem increases in environments away from school that provide more positive life experiences. The most frequently cited reason for dropping out is lack of interest in school. Many students who dropped out display academic and social signs of being at-risk, but many do not meet the stereotype in that they are not academic failures and are not from low socioeconomic status families. The Student Assistance Profile, used for determining at-risk students in the school system, appears to be supported. However, it has flagged only 51.7% of the dropouts in the survey sample. It is noted that there will always be a substantial group of potential dropouts who are difficult to identify because they do not meet the traditional dropout profile. Statistical data are presented in 18 tables and four graphs. Three appendices provide the two survey instruments and two tables of statistical data. (SLD)