Special education students' graduation rate in high school is 61%, compared to regular high school students at 80%, as noted in a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to identify and describe strategies that reduce the dropout rate of overaged special education students. The identified Illinois high school is successful in graduating special education students. Interviews were conducted with educators using a qualitative inquiry process. Research questions formed the framework of this study: (a) What are the preventive dropout strategies for special education students older than their grade-level peers in an urban Illinois college prep high school?; (b) Why is the identified Illinois college prep high school successful in graduating special education students with their peers?; (c) What resources are available for overaged special education students' success in high school?; (d) What strategies and professional development are present at the identified Illinois college prep high school that affect graduation of special education students?; (e) What instructional accommodations are available for overaged special education students that promote student mastery of required graduation requirements?; and (f) How are preventive dropout strategies implemented to prepare special education students older than their grade-level peers to graduate? The theoretical framework used for this study was Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Eighteen themes emerged through comparison of interview data. Results of the study were discussed in relation to the literature and theoretical framework. Intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligences were major factors in devising preventive dropout strategies and determining the school's success in graduating students, using available resources and implementing strategies. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]