Confidence in K-12 education has reached a record low in the United States, according to a Gallup study released this week. Only 35% of respondents reported being somewhat or completely satisfied with the quality of education students receive. That’s down from 43% in 2024 and a recent high of 51% in 2019.
Although the majority of political subgroups lack confidence in K-12 education, there are partisan disparities. At 42%, Democrats have more confidence than independents (34%) and Republicans (29%).
There isn’t much hope for change, with 73% of survey participants saying K-12 schools are headed in the wrong direction. That sentiment is relatively consistent among all of the study’s subgroups.
When asked how K-12 education is preparing U.S. students, one-third (33%) said students are being well prepared for college, while only 21% believe they are being well prepared for careers in the workforce. Again, respondents across all subgroups were essentially in alignment on the question of preparedness.
Notably, confidence in K-12 education was much higher among respondents who currently have children in the school system.
When asked about their satisfaction with the quality of education their oldest child is receiving, almost three-fourths (74%) of survey participants reported being somewhat or completely satisfied. This sentiment has remained steady over the past 26 years, with responses never dipping below 67% or rising above 83%.
More information on the Gallup survey, including links to the study’s topline results and methodology, can be found here.
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