The coronavirus pandemic shifted the landscape of education, with many parents gaining unprecedented access to the daily realities of classroom instruction through online learning. This exposure revealed widespread concerns, particularly regarding the prominence of critical race theory and radical gender ideologies in school curriculums. As a result, support for school choice surged, with public school families showing a significant increase in their backing of alternative educational options. Here are seven key statistics that underscore the growing demand for school choice:
1. Over 80% of Democratic Voters Support School Choice
A 2020 survey revealed that 81% of Democratic primary voters, and 89% of Black Democratic primary voters, supported a school voucher system, illustrating that school choice is gaining widespread approval across political lines.
2. Charter Schools Outperform Public Schools
In a study conducted in New York, over 90% of students at a public school failed a math exam. In stark contrast, every student at the charter school located in the same building passed the same test. Similar trends of charter schools outperforming public schools have been observed in various urban areas across the U.S.
3. More Than Half of U.S. Families Seek Alternative Schools
In the past year, 52% of U.S. parents considered switching their child to a different school, with many actively exploring new educational options. Black and Hispanic parents showed a stronger inclination toward seeking alternative schools compared to white parents. The primary reason cited by 36% of parents was a desire for higher-quality instruction for their children.
4. Alarming Proficiency Scores in Public Schools
Pre-pandemic data showed that only 41% of fourth graders were proficient in math, and by eighth grade, that number dropped to 34%. By the time students graduate, just 24% demonstrate proficiency in arithmetic. Reading and writing scores also reflect significant declines, with only 37% of high school seniors proficient in reading and just 27% in writing. Science and history scores were even lower, with twelfth-grade students achieving just 22% proficiency in science and a mere 12% in history.
5. Private Schools Are More Cost-Effective Than Public Schools
In 2021, the average cost per student in U.S. public schools, including charter schools, was $15,205. In comparison, the average annual private school tuition was $11,645. In fact, private schools were more affordable than public schools in 42 states, highlighting a potential cost-saving alternative for families seeking better education options.
6. School Choice Helps Reduce Racial Disparities
Charter schools, which are often located in urban areas, tend to serve a higher percentage of minority students than public schools. While they haven’t completely eradicated racial or economic inequalities, charter schools have played a role in narrowing the academic achievement gap, providing opportunities for minority students to access quality education.
7. Homeschooling Has Doubled Since the Pandemic
Before the pandemic, only 5.4% of U.S. households with school-aged children reported homeschooling. By fall 2020, this number had nearly doubled to 11.1%. The most significant increases were seen in Black and Hispanic households, reflecting a growing trend among families seeking more personalized and flexible education options for their children.