The numbers of students receiving a high school diploma in New Jersey and differences in graduation rates for males and females and for minority and non-minority students are examined. Conclusions are based on graduation totals reported by the school districts. In the country as a whole, 71% of all students receive a high school diploma by age 18 years. A review of data from 15 of the largest school districts in New Jersey (almost 20% of the state's public school enrollment) indicates that only 65.9% of males have completed high school when aged 18 to 19 years, in contrast to 77.1% of females in the same age group. The gender tilt in graduation totals exists almost exclusively in the five large urban districts. These schools are characterized by a high ratio of minority enrollment. A study of 5 of the 15 districts targeted shows a dramatic drop in school continuation from grade 7 to grade 12. Specific recommendations centering around better data collection are made to make more information about dropouts available. Better evaluation programs and mentoring programs for students are included among the recommendations for New Jersey schools. Four tables present study data. (SLD)