The goal of this study is to understand and develop information for retention and social promotion which will provide insight for administrators, teachers, and parents in determining how and when students can achieve academic success, and if they are to be retained or socially promoted. Information was collected on achievement in academic areas while looking at other areas such as: discipline, attendance, intervention, age, and transient moves. The study examines these areas to determine whether they factors success or failure of a retained or placed student. Examining school records, it was determined that a student retained in early elementary school was the main predictor of significant academic success.