The results of the Third Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study, TERCE, suggest that, in Latin America, students who have repeated a grade at least once score lower results on all exams overall, above all in mathematics and reading. A student who has repeated a grade tends to score between 15 and 74 points less in terms of academic performance when compared with a student who has never repeated, depending on the grade, subject area, and country, once the influence of the socioeconomic status has been considered. Repeating a grade must be a last resource for remedying the situation of students falling behind in learning. This resource must be used only in exceptional situations, and while searching for preventative formulas that provide comprehensive support to families, and to children with difficulties in particular.