Only one-third of Americans believe schools prepare students for college and careers: Here’s why
A nationwide survey has revealed an unprecedented decline in public satisfaction with K-12 education in the United States, signaling a deepening crisis of confidence in the school system. The Walton Family Foundation-Gallup poll, released in September 2025, found that only 35% of Americans are satisfied with K-12 education—the lowest level recorded in more than two decades of polling. The findings have sparked widespread concern among policymakers, educators, and families, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Historical decline: Lowest satisfaction in over 20 years
The 35% satisfaction rate represents a stark drop from previous years and is the lowest since Gallup began tracking public opinion on education quality in 1999. Within this group, only 7% reported being completely satisfied, while 28% were somewhat satisfied. Dissatisfaction is widespread and consistent, reflecting growing frustration with the efficacy and direction of K-12 education amid economic pressures, social challenges, and changing workforce requirements.Experts suggest that this decline mirrors long-term trends in student performance and unresolved debates over curriculum, technology integration, and school governance.
Parental perspectives: Hopeful yet concerned
Parents of children currently enrolled in K-12 schools tend to express slightly higher satisfaction levels than the general public. Approximately 32% of parents are completely satisfied with their oldest child’s education, while 42% are somewhat satisfied. However, dissatisfaction persists, with 6% completely dissatisfied and 17% somewhat dissatisfied.This nuanced perspective reflects a dual reality: parents are generally optimistic about their own children’s schooling but remain worried about broader systemic challenges, from classroom quality to equitable access to resources.
Partisan divides in educational satisfaction
The survey also highlighted stark partisan differences in perceptions of K-12 education. Democrats reported the highest satisfaction (42%), followed by independents (34%), while Republicans reported the lowest (29%). These disparities underscore the political polarisation surrounding education debates, including curriculum choices, school governance, and cultural issues. The divide complicates efforts to develop broad-based reforms and contributes to fragmented public opinion on education policy.
A troubling outlook for student outcomes
Pessimism extends beyond satisfaction to concerns about educational outcomes. Overall, 73% of Americans and 64% of parents believe the U.S. K-12 system is headed in the wrong direction. Only one-third of respondents think schools adequately prepare students for college, and just 21% believe schools excel in workforce readiness. Parents were slightly more confident, with 41% approving of college preparation and 30% of workforce readiness.These findings point to widespread anxiety about the future prospects of young learners in a rapidly evolving economy that increasingly demands higher-level skills and adaptability.
Drivers of declining trust
Several factors contribute to declining public trust in K-12 education:
- Curriculum debates: Disagreement over what students should learn in a politically and culturally divided society.
- Technology integration: Challenges in effectively leveraging digital tools for learning.
- Social-emotional learning: Growing awareness of students’ mental health needs.
- Performance gaps: Persistent inequities in outcomes across socio-economic, racial, and geographic lines.
Heightened media scrutiny and societal polarisation have intensified expectations, putting additional pressure on educators and school administrators.
Calls for reform: Pathways forward
Education experts and advocates emphasise that restoring trust and effectiveness in K-12 education requires comprehensive reform:
- Supporting teachers: Increased professional development, compensation, and resources to strengthen classroom instruction.
- Modernising curricula: Aligning learning with contemporary skills, including STEM, critical thinking, and digital literacy.
- Engaging families and communities: Transparency in school operations and active parental involvement.
- Addressing equity gaps: Targeted interventions to ensure all students have access to high-quality education.
Bridging political divides through inclusive discussions about the role of education in society could help align stakeholders around shared objectives: preparing every child for college, career, and citizenship.
The bottom line
The Walton Family Foundation-Gallup poll’s findings reveal a historic low in public satisfaction with K-12 education, serving as a wake-up call for policymakers, educators, and communities. Restoring confidence in the education system will require innovative, collaborative, and sustained efforts that adapt to the needs of students in a complex, 21st-century world. As the nation grapples with these challenges, proactive reforms are essential to ensure every student receives an education that prepares them for success in life, work, and society.
