September 14, 2026
Gallup poll: Satisfaction with government schools hits all-time low of 32%
USPIE: ‘It’s a wonder that there is any support at all, with test scores falling, children being given new “identities” without their parents’ knowledge, and well-publicized accounts of radical ideologies being taught to hapless children in government schools’
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two-thirds of Americans are dissatisfied with the quality of K-12 education in the United States. According to a new Gallup poll. Only about a third expressed “satisfaction” with the current system.
The “satisfaction” level has slipped to 32%, part of a 27-year trend, and down 11 percentage points over the past two years, Gallup said.
“It’s a wonder that there is any support at all, with test scores falling, children being given new ‘identities’ without their parents’ knowledge, and well-publicized accounts of radical ideologies being taught to hapless children in government schools,” said Sheri Few, founder and president of United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE).
Satisfaction has averaged 44% since 1999. After peaking at 53% in 2004, it has only been above 50% once, at 51% in 2019, Gallup reports.
Overall, only 8% of U.S. adults are completely satisfied and 24% somewhat satisfied with the quality of K-12 education, while 36% are somewhat dissatisfied and 31% completely dissatisfied.
Currently, 35% of Democrats, 32% of independents and 25% of Republicans are completely or somewhat satisfied with K-12 education. Democrats’ and independents’ satisfaction levels are record lows by three points and one point, respectively. Republicans’ satisfaction was lower only in 2023, during the Biden administration.
“These findings demonstrate bipartisan support for acknowledging the failure of our government education system,” Few said.
“Government schools teach children to disrespect their parents, each other, and their country. As test scores in basics such as math and English drop, so do the standards to which educators are held accountable.”
Among K-12 parents, 38% rate schools positively for preparing students to work effectively with others, 37% for college readiness and 34% for effectively using AI tools, Gallup said. “Fewer than three in 10 give positive ratings for preparing students to think critically (29%) and preparing them for the world of work (27%).”
“United States Parents Involved in Education offers solutions,” Few said.
- “First, get your kids out!
- Second, do not accept government funding for your private and homeschool alternatives.
- Third, read our report ‘Are Government Schools Redeemable?’ which details the five key issues facing government schools.”
To hear more from USPIE’s Founder and President, Sheri Few, tune in to the latest episode of USPIE’s podcast, “Unmasking Government Schools with Sheri Few,” on Tuesday, September 15, where Few is joined by Rhyen Staley. On this episode, Few and Staley will discuss investigations into a Chinese government-connected student program and efforts by teachers’ unions and education organizations to embed DEI principles and ideological perspectives into artificial intelligence used in schools. USPIE’s “Unmasking Government Schools with Sheri Few” is a weekly podcast that exposes the dangers of education shaped by government bureaucrats and social engineers, while exploring practical ways to protect children and preserve America’s freedom. Listen to “Unmasking Government Schools with Sheri Few” on YouTube, Facebook, Spotify and X.
United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE) is a nonprofit, nationwide coalition that is fighting to return education to its proper local roots and restore parental authority over their children’s education by helping parents and local communities to escape federal and other national influences. It is the vision of USPIE to create a culture where parents, empowered with the authority to choose what and how their children learn, are the undisputed primary educators of their children, where local schools operate in support of families, and where education is unencumbered by federal mandates.
USPIE’s powerful documentary, “Truth & Lies in American Education,” addresses some of the most glaring issues in the American education system and helps parents experience a paradigm shift in how they think about education and the role of their local schools. The film follows Few’s daughter-in-law, April, as she seeks to learn more about the system she was planning on exposing to her own children and learns the shocking truth. “Truth & Lies in American Education” is available for streaming on SalemNOW, as well as on DVD.
For more information on United States Parents Involved in Education, visit www.uspie.org or follow USPIE on Facebook or X.
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To interview a representative from United States Parents Involved in Education, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Daniel Moyer, ext. 104.
