Parents are expressing concerns over a San Antonio school field trip that is reserved for students who meet STAAR test-related requirements. Some on social media are describing it as exclusionary and based on subjective qualifications.

One parent, who is requesting anonymity so that their children do not have issues at school after speaking out, shared screenshots of Prelude Preparatory Charter School’s field trip waivers with MySA. The documents describe opportunities for third through sixth graders to visit Legoland, the Rainforest Cafe and SeaWorld San Antonio.

The documents were shared with guardians via ParentSquare, MySA’s source says. There are restrictions on who can attend, according to the screenshots we reviewed. Students must maintain a 90 percent or higher attendance rate, have zero behavior infractions, and must “be present on the official STAAR testing date,” “complete the test,” and “demonstrate their best effort during STAAR preparation and testing,” among other rules.

An image of the agreement was shared on social media, leading to many Texans voicing their disagreements over how the institution is determining who participates. One user described it as “awful” and “bribing.” Another user asked who gets to decide that they demonstrated their best effort. 

The Prelude Prep parent tells MySA that their kids decided they were not interested in going on the trips “because of all the stipulations,” adding that their children were worried their friends would not be able to attend.

“My main concerns were kids being left out with the outrageous request that the school posted,” the parent said. “This test causes a lot of unnecessary anxiety for kids. The school is putting a tremendous amount of pressure because they are wanting the funding associated with the assessment.”

STAAR results do not directly lead to more funding for Texas schools, but they impact a facility’s accountability rating, per the Texas Education Agency (TEA). A 2024 study from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research showed “a correlation between funding and A-F accountability ratings, with higher funding gaps increasing that correlation,” according to the website Teach The Vote. The average daily attendance of a school also serves as a funding basis, so urging students to take the STAAR test can help with that. 

The TEA did not respond to MySA’s request for comment on whether state schools are allowed to link field trip eligibility to STAAR participation. 

The San Antonio parent says the school is “very strict” and alleges that it is “constantly on the kids” if they miss, even if they are sick. They say that shouldn’t automatically disqualify them from going on one of the field trips. 

“I feel though as they are using the field trip as leverage because they haven’t took a field trip all year, so this is really the only thing the kids have to look forward to,” they told MySA.

According to the TEA website, charter schools and school districts can create local policies “that reflect the values and goals of their communities.” An agency document on instructional field experiences, which does not include a publication date, says “the field experience should not be used as an incentive for specific behavior or achievement.”

Prelude Prep issued the following statement to MySA:

“At Prelude Prep, our approach is grounded in a commitment to both academic growth and student well-being. Throughout the year, we create multiple opportunities to recognize students for their effort, growth, and contributions to the school community. The STAAR Celebration Field Trip is one of those moments, designed to acknowledge students for their perseverance, focus, and engagement during an important point in the school year.

Our expectations are centered on clear, observable actions: students are present, complete their assessment, and participate appropriately as part of their class community. This is not based on test scores, and our approach is designed so that the vast majority of students are able to participate in the celebration.

We also recognize that circumstances arise. When situations such as illness or other extenuating factors occur, they are reviewed thoughtfully to ensure fairness and consistency, with the goal of supporting students and maintaining an inclusive experience.

We value open communication with our families and are always available to answer questions or provide clarity. While we have not received direct concerns from parents at our campus, we remain committed to listening and ensuring every student feels supported and included.

More broadly, we are committed to creating an environment where students feel encouraged, supported, and recognized throughout the year. Celebrations like this are part of a broader effort to reinforce positive habits, build confidence, and ensure students feel a strong sense of belonging in their school community.”