Dropping out of high school in Cyprus: Do parents and the family matter

This paper presents a comparison of family circumstances, aspirations and school involvement of parents in Cyprus whose children were at risk of dropping out of high school and parents whose children were not at risk. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey constructed within the framework of the European project Drop-Out Open Door. The results showed a broad range of differences in the resources, expectations, perceptions and practices of pupils' families who are at risk of dropping out of school and those who are not. The findings illustrate the necessity for schools to identify families' different circumstances and needs and provide them, especially those with pupils at risk, with facilities, support and training for enhancing their children's development and school success through everyday family practices.