Americans’ satisfaction with schools is at a low point, new Gallup poll shows

Americans' satisfaction with the quality of K-12 education in the United States has reached an all-time low, according to a recent Gallup poll. The polling organization, in collaboration with the Walton Family Foundation, found that just 32% of adult Americans are either "completely" or "somewhat" satisfied with the country's school system. This marks a 11-point decline over the past two years and the lowest level since Gallup began polling on the topic 27 years ago.

The primary drivers of this dissatisfaction appear to be a growing political divide and concerns that schools are not adequately preparing students for college and future careers. Democrats, in particular, are experiencing a significant drop in satisfaction, with their support falling about 19 points since President Donald Trump's second term began in 2025. Independents and Republicans have also seen a decline in satisfaction, though to a lesser extent.

Experts in education and school policy view the findings as deeply concerning, though not entirely surprising. They note that the current administration's portrayal of schools as political battlegrounds, along with its efforts to dismantle diversity programs and the Education Department, has eroded public confidence in the nation's schools. Additionally, the pandemic has exacerbated academic challenges, mental health issues, and other problems within the education system.

However, parents' perceptions of their own children's education differ significantly from the national narrative. Approximately two-thirds of parents with school-age children are satisfied with their child's education, a level that has not been previously seen since 2013. This discrepancy suggests that parents feel more confident in their own schools than the broader public perception.

Gallup's research also indicates that public confidence in schools has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic forced closures, exacerbating academic setbacks, mental health issues, and other problems. While there has been a drumbeat of negative headlines about test scores and other social trends, Gallup notes that there is much debate and noise surrounding technology and artificial intelligence in education, as well as concerns about kids' screen time at school.

Experts suggest that the overall dissatisfaction with education reflects a broader sense of frustration with institutions more broadly. Gallup senior education researcher Zach Hrynowski emphasizes that people are frustrated and do not believe any institution is functioning well at the moment.