Voters nationwide believe strongly in individual freedom, opportunity, and the founding principles that have historically defined the country—and they want those same values applied to education. They trust individuals and families over institutions, favor expanding opportunity over preserving the status quo, and support giving every family the freedom to choose the education that works best for their child.
“Voters have made their values clear: they trust families to make their own decisions, and they want that same trust extended to education. This poll shows the country isn’t asking whether education freedom belongs in America’s future; they’re asking why it isn’t everywhere yet.”
— Matt Frendewey, vice president of strategy, yes. every kid.
yes. every kid. foundation. surveyed 1,000 registered voters nationally, online, July 14-16, 2026. Margin of error: +/-3.1%.
Continued Belief in Founding Principles
Voters across the country continue to believe in the country’s founding principles yet worry we have drifted from them.
- 68% say America’s founding principles remain relevant today.
- 80% believe the country has moved away from many of those principles.
Deep Trust in Individuals Over Institutions
Voters trust individuals and families to make their own decisions, including in education.
- 71% believe America is strongest when individuals and families are trusted to make their own decisions, compared to just 20% who prefer government institutions deciding for everyone.
- 63% say the same principles of freedom, self-governance, and opportunity that guide American life should also guide education policy.
- 69% say parents should have the final say over their child’s education, while only 23% say state and local systems should.
Strong Preference for Expanding Freedom and Opportunity Over the Status Quo
Voters consistently side with expanding freedom and opportunity, not protecting existing systems.
- 65% think expanding freedom and opportunity should be the higher priority for the next 250 years, compared to 28% who prioritize preserving existing systems.
- 69% say America grows stronger through innovation and competition among new ideas, rather than relying on established systems (24%).
- 69% believe successful policies should be strengthened and expanded over time, not simply left as is (22%).
Overwhelming Support for Education Freedom for Every Family
Voters back education freedom, want it available to everyone, and want it to keep growing.
- 69% say every family should have the opportunity to choose the school or setting that works best for their child.
- 71% say education freedom programs should be available to all families, not limited (21%).
- 69% agree education freedom gives families more opportunities without taking away anyone else’s choices, rejecting the idea that it weakens public schools (24%).
- 50% want education freedom to keep expanding; only 17% think it has gone too far.
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