Poll confirms widespread support for school, parental choice

New research from a national polling organization shows 65% of more than 1,100 registered voters surveyed support school choice while 16% are unsure. The results are true across party lines, with 75% of Republicans, 61% of Democrats, and 60% of Independents saying they strongly or somewhat support school choice.

Meanwhile, 55% of voters polled say that some or all of the funds the federal government set aside for K-12 education should be directed by parents, with 21% saying that none of the funds should be directed by parents and 24% unsure.

Regarding school choice, the poll asked: School choice gives parents the right to use the tax dollars designated for their child’s education to send their child to the public or private school which best serves their needs. Generally speaking, would you say you support or oppose the concept of school choice?

Support was strongest among Black voters, with 69% answering affirmatively, followed closely by Asian voters (68%); Hispanic voters (67%) and white voters (64%).

On the second question, the poll asked: The federal government allocated $190 billion towards K-12 education from stimulus packages since March 2020, which would essentially be $3,400 for every K-12 student in the country. How much of that funding should be directed by parents?

Here, support was strongest among Black voters, with 66% in favor, followed by Hispanic voters (58%); Asian voters (55%); and white voters (52%).

American Federation For Children president and CEO Tommy Schultz observed that while the pandemic underscored the need for additional school options, public support for school choice is nothing new.

“This year already, at least a dozen states have enacted new school choice programs or expanded existing programs because they’re recognizing just how popular this issue is amongst K-12 families,” Schultz said. “We are grateful that lawmakers are listening to the needs of families, but millions of children are still waiting for better options. We will continue fighting for those kids and to empower parents with the funds meant to deliver a high-quality education.”