The number of U.S. parents wanting in-person schooling for their children in the fall is decreasing, while worry about children contracting COVID-19 is growing, according to a Gallup report published Aug. 3.
Only 36% of all parents currently want full-time, in-person school (down from 56% in late May to early June), while 28% desire full-time, remote instruction (up from 7%).
The remaining 36% of parents hope to have a combination of in-person and distance learning.
The number of parents who say they are “very worried” about their children getting COVID-19 has more than doubled since late May to early June, rising 15 points to 27%. Those who are “somewhat worried” rose three points to 37%.
Over the same time period, parents who are “not too worried” fell 12 points to 22% and those who are “not worried at all” dropped 6 points to 14%.
Political affiliation revealed distinct differences in respondents’ views, with only 29% of Republicans saying they are very or somewhat worried, compared to 65% of independents and 85% of Democrats.
Similarly, Republicans (68%) were far more likely to say they prefer full-time, in-person school for their children in the fall, compared to 40% of independents and 13% of Democrats.
Democrats (41%) were more likely to prefer full-time, distance learning in the fall, compared to 25% of independents and 11% of Republicans.
The margin of error is plus-or-minus 6%. The full report is available here.
Editor’s note: Good Faith Media and Pastors for Children are hosting a series of Good Faith Forums on public education, beginning Tuesday, Aug. 11. Learn more here.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
