This study was concerned with the extent of student failures as Modesto High School during the four year period from 1954 to 1958. The administrative staff has always been aware of this problem and the continual waste of student potential. As a result of the marked increase in the number of failing marks received by students in the fall semesters of 1956 and 1957 this situation was brought into sharper focus, and the administrations felt a need for an appropriate study. As a result of the evident increase in the number of failing marks received by students at Modesto High School, this study was initiated for the following purposes: (1) To determine to frequency and the distribution of failing marks for the eight-semester period, from the fall semester for 1954 through the spring semester of 1958.; (2) To compare the frequency and distribution of scholastic failures among the four grades, the four ability groups, and the fifteen departments of the high school; (3) To determine the percentage of students who graduated from Modesto High School after receiving one or more failing marks at any time during the period of this study.; (4) To provide a basis for further study of scholastic failures at Modesto High School.