Students Miss More School for Sports and Travel
Rising absences tied to competitions and family trips are drawing attention across Massachusetts schools, according to a new newsletter.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Is it acceptable for students to miss school for sports travel?
Students are missing school for sports-related travel and competitions at rising rates, while families take vacations during the school year to save on flights. A USC survey found the average U.S. high schooler missed more than three days of school for competitions and family trips.
Why it matters
Frequent absences can push students toward chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 18 days of school. Student athletes and parents say the sacrifices may pay off in college admissions or scholarships.
A USC survey of U.S. teens found the average high schooler missed more than three days of school for competitions and family trips. One in five parents told a Boston Globe/Suffolk University poll that their kid had missed school for sports.
The players
USC
The University of Southern California conducted a survey of U.S. teens that found high schoolers missing more than three days of school for competitions and family trips.
Boston Globe/Suffolk University poll
A poll conducted by the Boston Globe and Suffolk University that asked Massachusetts parents whether their children had missed school for sports.
The details
Reporters interviewed superintendents and other school staff around the state about changes in absences and added questions to a Boston Globe/Suffolk University poll on the issue. Varsity athletes have traditionally had strong attendance because they must attend school to play, but families also travel during the school year to save money on flights.
Timeline
Reporting on chronic absenteeism began almost a year before November 10, 2026.
November 10, 2026: newsletter published on chronic absenteeism and sports travel.
Season Trajectory
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 18 days of school, a benchmark used by education researchers to flag students at risk. Varsity athletes have historically kept strong attendance because school enrollment is required to compete, making the rise in competition-related absences a notable departure.
Families who travel during the school year to save on flights may face attendance concerns that could affect their student's progress. Parents weighing competitive sports commitments should track total absences against the 18-day chronic absenteeism threshold.
The takeaway
Parents and students weighing competitive sports or family trips during the school year should track total absences against the 18-day chronic absenteeism threshold. Early attention to attendance can help families balance athletic goals with classroom time.
Further reading
For more on how these trends affect classrooms, see Secondary Education coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.
Live Poll
Is it acceptable for students to miss school for sports travel?
