New Futuro San Antonio Report Reveals Top Reasons Students Miss School and Calls for Citywide Action to Improve Attendance

Health challenges, transportation barriers, and work/caregiving conflicts are driving chronic absenteeism across San Antonio.

When students miss school, they miss more than class time — they miss opportunities to learn, build confidence, connect with peers, and access essential resources. Today, Futuro San Antonio released a comprehensive new report revealing the top reasons students across the city are missing school and urging a coordinated, citywide response to improve attendance.

“Families are telling us loud and clear: attendance isn’t just a school issue, it’s a citywide issue shaped by health, transportation, housing, and economic realities,” said Daiana Lambrecht, Executive Director of Futuro San Antonio. “When leaders across our city work together to address these challenges, our children can show up. This report provides a roadmap developed directly from the voices of parents and caregivers. Now it’s time for action.”

Community Voice at the Center

This fall, Futuro San Antonio parent leaders hosted listening circles with more than 100 community members, including parents, educators, caregivers, and youth, from all corners of the city. Additionally, more than 500 parents and caregivers of PK–12 students completed surveys that identified the everyday challenges that prevent students from consistently attending school.

Futuro San Antonio Team

Key Findings: Why San Antonio Students Miss School

The report found that illness or ongoing medical needs are the most common reasons students stay home, affecting 55% of families. Transportation barriers, including unreliable bus service and lengthy commutes, impact nearly a quarter of families, particularly on the East and West Sides. Work and caregiving responsibilities make school attendance difficult for almost one in five households, while mental health concerns, such as anxiety, affect 23% of students. Housing instability remains a significant challenge for many families facing economic hardship.

A Call for Citywide Action

Parents also identified steps they want local leaders and partners to take to improve attendance. These include expanding before- and after-school programs, increasing access to school-based mental health services, providing free transit passes for students, and improving city and school transportation routes.

The report emphasizes that improving school attendance is not about blaming families — it is about creating systems and solutions that remove obstacles and support student success. Futuro San Antonio is committed to continuing its work with parents and cross-sector partners to ensure every child arrives ready to learn.