Empowering Education: Insights on School Choice Reform

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New survey results reveal overwhelming public demand for bold education reform.

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families is an Independent Chapter of the National Coalition of Parents for School Options. 

Survey details graphic

These findings reflect a seismic shift in public opinion. Parents and voters are no longer willing to accept a status quo that leaves students behind. Instead, they demand policies that prioritize student achievement, empower parents, restore transparency, and ensure that education funding follows students, not bureaucracies.

COMMENTS FROM IDAHO's CHAPTER

“This survey confirms what we’ve been hearing in Idaho for years—parents want more choices, more control, and fewer barriers when it comes to their children’s education,” said Karen McGee, PSO National Board Member and former President of the Idaho State Board of Education, from Pocatello. “As a national board member, I see this movement growing across the country, but here in Idaho, we know firsthand that local solutions work best. Families deserve the freedom to choose the education that fits their values and their child's needs, without interference from government overreach.”

“In Idaho, we trust parents and believe that education decisions should be made by families—not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.,” said Tom LeClaire, President of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families. “This survey reinforces what Idaho parents have been saying for years: we want transparency, accountability, and control over our children's education. We must continue pushing for policies that keep decision-making close to home. Parents deserve to be in the driver’s seat, ensuring every child—regardless of background—has access to an excellent education that aligns with their values and goals.”

MORE DETAILS

Overwhelming Majority of Americans Demand Bold Education Reform and Parent-First Policies, New Survey Reveals

A groundbreaking new survey reveals an urgent call for reform in K-12 education, with parents and voters nationwide demanding more school choice, greater accountability, and a return to traditional educational values. The findings underscore bipartisan dissatisfaction with the current state of education and overwhelming support for significant changes to the nation’s education system.

Americans Believe Education Is Off-Track

The survey, conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research on behalf of Parents for School Options, found that nearly 8 in 10 voters (79%) believe K-12 education is on the wrong track. This sharp increase from 63% in 2022 cuts across political and racial demographics, highlighting the urgency for meaningful change. 

Americans Demand Choice and Transparency

School Choice is a Top Priority: 

  • 75% of voters support President Trump’s 50-state school choice initiative, allowing public funds to follow students to schools of their parents' choice, whether public, private, or religious.

  • Support cuts across racial demographics, with 68% of Black voters, 76% of Hispanic voters, and 75% of White voters backing the proposal.

Demand for Parental Rights: 

  • 68% of respondents support the right of parents to know the curriculum being taught in schools and favor cutting federal funding for schools pushing critical race theory or gender ideology.

  • This includes 65% of Democrats, 65% of Independents, and 74% of Republicans.

Support for Open Enrollment and Vouchers: 

  • 62% of voters favor open enrollment policies, allowing parents to choose schools outside of geographic district boundaries.

  • 61% support tuition voucher programs, enabling public funds to be used at public, private, or parochial schools.

A Call for Classical Education: 

  • A staggering 86% of voters want a federal law requiring all public schools to teach a classic curriculum focused on history, math, science, and English.

Broad Support for the Trump Administration’s Education Agenda

Voters are also backing major proposals that could reshape American education:

  • 47% support eliminating the Department of Education, and transferring responsibilities back to the states, with only 20% opposed. Among Republicans, this support rises to 62%.

  • 45% believe eliminating the Department would improve the quality of K-12 education, compared to just 25% who believe it would have a negative impact.