The study investigated the home-based factors contributing to poor academic performance in Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSSs) in Mwanza District – Malawi. There was limited empirical evidence on the home-based factors contributing to low academic performance and this prompted the researcher to focus on the students’ home environment and its impact on academic performance. The study employed a case study research design with qualitative approach whereby the sample of 125 respondents comprising 100 students and 25 teachers from public secondary schools in Mwanza District was used. Interview and questionnaire were used as tools for collecting primary data while documentary review was used to collect secondary data. The findings of the study revealed that inadequate parental support and civic education, long distances from home to school and cultural practices have contributed to poor academic performance in the CDSSs in Mwanza District – Malawi. Additionally, policymakers, school administrators and other educational stakeholders may utilize the study results to develop policies and programs that are aimed at addressing the identified problems and enhance academic performance in community day secondary schools in Mwanza District - Malawi.