For the second year in a row, survey finds Americans remain persistent in their support of education policies that emphasize choice, flexibility, and customization
New polling conducted by YouGov on behalf of yes. every kid. foundation. demonstrates Americans are firm in their support of expanding education freedom. Despite frequent attacks and disinformation campaigns on education freedom by special interests, most Americans indicate continued support for ending residential school assignment (68%) as well as expanding education savings accounts (63%) and education tax credits (60%).
Moreover, Americans are steadfast in their beliefs that expanding educational freedom will improve our nation’s education system.
“This year’s results reinforce a powerful truth: Americans’ commitment to educational choice, flexibility, and customization isn’t a passing trend but a steadfast conviction,” said Matt Frendewey, vice president of strategy, yes. every kid. foundation.
“Despite ongoing national debates, the data reveal a genuine and consistent belief in expanding educational freedom, rooted in a desire to create opportunities for all children. This report is a testament to Americans’ firm support for policies that prioritize each child’s unique needs, allowing families to shape their educational paths. These are enduring values, transcending politics and grounded in a commitment to a brighter future for every student.”
Equal Public School Access for All
In too many states, a family’s ZIP code determines the school a child attends, regardless of whether that school is the right fit for a child. This survey highlights that Americans are seeking a new direction and want expanded opportunities to help all children succeed.
Accordingly, 68% of Americans – including 75% of K-12 parents – support making it possible for students to access any public school in their state, regardless of where they live.
Majorities of all major demographic subgroups across gender (Men-69%, Women-68%), race and ethnicity (White-66%, Black-75%, Hispanic-75%), socioeconomic status (Working Class-74%, Middle Class-68%, Upper Class-65%), and political party (Republican-70%, Democrat-72%, Independent-61%) are in support.
Also unchanged from last year, most (53%) Americans believe that granting students equal access by allowing them to attend any school in their state regardless of where they live would improve the nation’s overall education system. Fifty-nine percent of K-12 parents agree.
More Parental Control Over Spending
Americans continue to favor letting parents decide how and where their child is educated. Year-over-year support for ESAs remains strong at 63%, with opposition trailing far behind at 21%.
More than half (53%) of Americans and 68% of K-12 parents believe that if access to ESAs were expanded, public education would be improved. Additionally, among supporters of ESAs, 71% believe ESAs should be universal, more than three times higher than those who believe they should be limited to low-income families (20%). Strong majorities of all major demographic subgroups believe ESAs should be universal, indicating widespread support in the importance of programs being designed for all families.
Similarly, there remains strong support for education tax credits. Three-in-five Americans support an income tax credit, but support increases significantly with K-12 parents to 76%. Women (64%), Democrats (63%), and working-class Americans (63%) are additional key audiences driving support. Just like last year, a majority (55%) of Americans believe that giving families access to tax credits would benefit our education system.
Fundamental Belief in a Flexible Education
Underpinning Americans’ support for expanding educational freedom is a real belief in the value of a flexible education system that allows parents to customize an education to fit their child. But Americans recognize the inflexibility of the current K-12 education system, with 54% believing families have very little to no flexibility to meet the unique needs of each individual child.
Consequently, and consistent with last year’s survey results, nearly three-quarters (72%) of Americans support making K-12 education more flexible for families, giving them more choices in how their child receives an education, the schools they can attend, and the financial resources to help pay for the education. Fully, 81% of K-12 parents support more flexibility.
Additionally, 63% of Americans and 71% of K-12 parents believe making K-12 education more flexible for families will improve the nation’s education system. A strong majority of all major demographic subgroups agree.
Americans’ consistently strong support for expanding educational freedom indicates a real opportunity to not only implement change that Americans unquestionably seek, but to demonstrate our belief in our children and providing them educational experiences that meet their unique interests and aptitudes.
The poll was conducted by YouGov America, LLC from November 1-4, 2024. YouGov interviewed 1,045 nationally representative respondents who were then matched down to a sample of 1,000 to produce the final dataset. The margin of error is +/- 3.42%.
