Middletown, like the rest of the nation, can't hold on to its students. In September 1941, for example, 524 six-year-olds entered the school buildings of Middletown for the first time. But in May this year, only 302 seniors were graduated from Middletown High School. Somewhere during the 12 years of schooling the city lost 224 pupils. Two weeks ago, 360 boys and girls enrolled in the high school’s senior class. In 1951, they were part of a sophomore class that numbered 478. More than 100 became "drop-outs" in two years. School enrollments through the years follow a pattern. Class figures remain level during the elementary grades, receive a boost from added Madison Township pupils in the junior high period, and decline steadily in the high school years. This high drop-rate is not peculiar to Middletown. Boys and girls all over the nation are rushing away from their classroom walls...

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