This study was conducted to assess the experience and causes of school dropout among public secondary (high) schools in Palestine, and to explore processes to combat this. We identify the factors and illustrate a conceptual model for student dropout from school. This involves diverse factors including family background, teachers, school's environment, student role. This paper recommends that policies to prevent early school leaving require multi-perspectival targeting, involving individual, school, community and family. Among actions which would reduce dropout, we identify plans for eliminating illiteracy, developing a good interpersonal relationship with students, and strengthening community participation in educational programmes.