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Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the age of enrolment in the first-yearpreparatory course (CP1), the socioeconomic level and the risk of dropping out of school among 4th grade students in Ivory Coast. To this end, a sample of 96 students from the 4th grade class is constituted. This sample was subjected to an identification questionnaire and filled in the Evaluation Kit for Potential Dropouts (Janosz M., Archambault I., Lacroix M. & Lévesque J., 2007). These students also took part in a semi-structured interview. The results obtained at the end of the statistical processing and the analysis of thematic content show that the risk of dropping out is greater among pupils who start CP1 early than among those who start this class at the officially indicated age. However, this age effect is modulated by the socioeconomic background of the students. These results raise questions about the need to enrol children prematurely in primary school, especially in disadvantaged areas. Thus, the present study suggests that the age of enrolment should be taken into account in the prevention of the risk of dropping out of school. It also provides guidance on the intervention programs to be recommended in situations of risk of school dropout.