HOUSTON — Texas public school enrollment declined by more than 76,000 students during the 2025-26 school year, with Hispanic students accounting for most of the decrease, according to an analysis of Texas Education Agency data released by Texas 2036.
The analysis found statewide enrollment fell by 76,613 students, while Hispanic student enrollment declined by 61,781, representing about 81% of the total decrease.
Education advocates and researchers cited several possible reasons for the decline, including housing instability, migration, political tensions and families choosing alternatives to traditional public schools.
Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, said some families are turning to charter schools and other educational options.
“There is a move for kids to look for alternative means of education, charter schools,” Espinosa said.
He also said some immigrant families are relocating to other states.
“Many of them are deciding to move to other more friendly states, to states where maybe they’re not being persecuted because of immigration status,” Espinosa said.
Espinosa said continued enrollment declines could affect public school funding because state funding is tied to student attendance.
Delilah Davis of Texas Southern University said some parents are choosing educational settings they believe better fit their children’s needs.
“Because they can frame their child’s education experience a little different from in a public environment, they are making those choices,” Davis said.
Richmond resident Robert Torrence said he transferred his children from traditional public schools to charter schools because of smaller class sizes and expanded academic opportunities.
Advocates said the long-term concern is how enrollment declines could impact funding and resources for public education across Texas.
