Parental pessimism grows, yet support for educational choices stays strong in recent survey

As the new school year begins, there is a notable rise in parental pessimism regarding the trajectory of K-12 education in the United States, according to findings from EdChoice's annual Schooling in America survey. Despite these concerns, many parents express optimism about virtual schooling and educational choice initiatives.

The survey, now in its twelfth installment, was conducted by Braun Research in partnership with EdChoice and gathered responses from over 3,500 individuals. Paul DiPerna, Vice President of Research and Innovation at EdChoice, emphasized the survey's role in highlighting public perspectives and parents' insights on education, particularly in the realm of educational choice.

The report reveals various priorities among parents. Safety is a significant factor when selecting schools, with charter, private, and homeschool parents prioritizing it highly. Also, there is a strong desire for schools to maintain transparency, particularly on issues like safety.

Technology and virtual schooling are gaining importance, with many parents supporting both part-time and full-time virtual school options. Additionally, there is backing for introducing artificial intelligence (AI) education in schools, although actual use of AI in classrooms remains limited.

A disconnect persists between current enrollment patterns and parental preferences, as 80% of students attend public schools, yet only 40% of parents would choose such schools if given the opportunity. Support for educational savings accounts (ESAs) is strong among most groups, with particular favorability found among school parents, Hispanic adults, and Millennials.

DiPerna notes an all-time high in parental pessimism about K-12 education, yet a steadfast support for educational choice policies. These preferences underscore the demand for school choice, with ESAs being especially popular.

For further information or to contact Paul DiPerna, inquiries can be directed to Kate Brown at [email protected].

EdChoice is a nonprofit organization advocating for educational freedom. Details on the survey's methodology and more information can be found on their website.