The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for leaving school and to describe progress in the lives of 32 dropout students. Using a mixed methodology, a quantitative aspect identifies risk factors, while a qualitative one describes the participants’ experiences. The results show that participants have experienced a number of risk factors while enrolled in secondary school. As well, the remarks of many of them show that the difficulties experienced in their childhood with their families have led them progressively towards dropping out of school. Difficulties experienced in the school environment are sometimes attributed to the student himself, and sometimes to the interaction with this milieu and school personnel.