In the school where I am the SRO, I have found that it really is the lowest scum of society who drop out/let their kids drop out of school. The types who have no concept of having to go to school to get a job because they have been on welfare their whole lives and know the gubmint will take care of them - why should they get up early every day and do homework and stuff.
OTOH, I work in an urban type school with a population that is rather lacking in things like morals, work ethic, and integrity.
As long as the kid has a reasonable plan to do SOMETHING after he drops out of school besides sell crack, I wouldn't condemn him or his parents. Problem is, I just haven't seen that yet.
If, like some here say, the kid is going to do something - like get a GED and get into college early, etc - I would actually encourage it. No good reason to allow yourself to be held back from your potential by school. Leaving school because it's a LAST resort to support your family, care for a sick relative, etc. is a different story entirely.
Personally, I would NOT allow my kid to drop out, but I don't plan on sending him to public school anyhow. He or She WILL complete at least high school, or have a REAL good plan otherwise.
-K