A student in Pflugerville arrives at school on May 15, 2026, hours after the Pflugerville Independent School District voted to close four elementary schools in fall 2027 due to an $18 million shortfall. Public school enrollment in 2025-26 dropped to 5.47 million students, down from 5.54 million in 2024-25. This trend has contributed to budget deficits and school closures across Texas. 81% of the students who left between the two school years are Hispanic, according to a report from Texas 2036. Year-over-year, Asian student enrollment grew, while white, Black and Hispanic student enrollment declined. Students from low-income backgrounds and children learning English also made up a larger share. About 43% of Texas traditional school districts are in a county with a growing population but don't have growing enrollment. Enrollment in traditional school districts declined by 1.7% year-over-year, while enrollment in charter schools increased 2.4%. Texas funds schools based on student attendance, so when student enrollment declines, school districts receive less money from the state.
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Texas public school enrollment shrinking after years of growth
Experts predict Texas public school student enrollment will continue declining, leading to budget deficits and school closures.
Published May 18, 2026 at 9:00am by Keri Heath
