New Poll: School Choice Support Soars from 2020

Americans of all parties and backgrounds overwhelmingly support school choice.

According to a new poll from RealClear Opinion Research, which surveyed 1,000 registered voters from June 27-30, 2023, the concept of school choice enjoys overwhelming support (71% vs. 13% opposed). This is true across party lines, with 66% of Democrats, 80% of Republicans, and 69% of Independents saying they support such a policy. Additionally, 70% of Asian, 73% of Black, 71% of Hispanic, and 71% of White voters support school choice.

These results confirm that the school choice bump is here to stay and the political reality to which legislators must respond.

Changes since April 2020 include the following:

Overall support: 64% -> 71% (+7 pp)

Political Parties:
Democratic support: 59% -> 66% (+7 pp)
Republican support: 75% -> 80% (+5 pp)
Independent support: 60% -> 69% (+9 pp)

Race & Ethnicity:
Hispanic: 63% -> 71% (+8 pp)
White: 64% -> 71% (+7 pp)
Black: 68% -> 73% (+5 pp)
Asian: 56% -> 70% (+14 pp)

Statement from Tommy Schultz, CEO, American Federation for Children

“School choice support is here to stay, and politicians who ignore this reality do so at their own peril. Parents are the new interest group in town, and legislators would be wise to keep responding to their needs. The days of the old one-size-fits-all model are numbered, welcome news for the countless students who need something different to learn and thrive. AFC is thrilled to continue standing behind parents as they gain more options for their children’s education.”

Full Details:

Question: School Choice
School choice gives parents the right to use the tax dollars designated for their child’s education to send their child to the public or private school which best serves their needs. Generally speaking, would you say you support or oppose the concept of school choice?

Overall Support – 71.3%

Age:
18-34: 74%
35-49: 70%
50-64: 71%
65+: 69%

Race & Ethnicity:
Hispanic: 71%
White: 71%
Black: 73%
Asian: 70%

Party ID:
Democrat: 66%
Republican: 80%
Independent: 69%

2020 Vote:
Joe Biden Voters: 67%
Donald Trump Voters: 79%

Region:
Northeast: 74%
South: 72%
Midwest: 75%
West: 66%