OBJECTIVE: understanding the repercussions of the social determinants of health on school children's learning, linked to the public-school network, from the point of view of health and education professionals. METHOD: qualitative study, participant-action type, articulated to Freire's Research Itinerary, through three moments: Thematic Investigation; Coding and Decoding; Critical Unveiling. The participants were 27 health professionals and 18 education professionals, working in four municipalities of Santa Catarina. Individual interviews and a Culture Circle took place between November 2020 and March 2021. The analysis was developed in the discussions in the Culture Circle, with reflection on the themes. RESULTS: unfavorable living conditions, unhealthy habits, and weak social relationships tend to negatively influence children's school learning. There is a need for the implementation of actions involving the health and education sectors, such as the Health at School Program. CONCLUSION: the articulated action of health and education professionals on social determinants is the way to promote health and children's school performance, in order to minimize the effects of existing inequities.
