Survey: Public Backs School Choice, ESAs, and Vouchers

A recent "Schooling in America" survey, released on August 24, 2026, by EdChoice, indicates significant public backing for school choice policies, including Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and voucher programs. Paul DiPerna, the vice president of research and innovation for EdChoice, discussed these findings with host Paul E. Peterson on "The Education Exchange" podcast, episode 457. Peterson, who also directs the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University, emphasized the importance of accurate public opinion data, particularly when it influences policy decisions by governors regarding federal education funding programs.

The "2026 Schooling in America" survey was administered by Braun Research, a firm known for its polling expertise. The survey's findings are particularly relevant as governors are being asked to consider opting into federal programs that provide funding for education scholarships. Public opinion data can heavily influence these executive decisions, making the survey's results a key indicator of potential policy shifts. DiPerna and his EdChoice colleagues, Colyn Ritter and Alli Aldis, collaborated on the survey's release, aiming to provide a clear picture of public sentiment on educational freedom and parental choice.

Host Paul Peterson highlighted the inherent challenges in public opinion polling, referencing a recent instance where polls inaccurately predicted the outcome of a U.S. Senate Democratic primary. In that case, polls suggested a substantial victory for Abdul El-Sayed, predicting margins of 13 to 15 percentage points, yet he ultimately won by a narrow 1 percent. This discrepancy underscores Peterson's caution about the reliability of survey data and raises questions about whether individuals consistently provide truthful responses when polled, especially on complex issues like education. The accuracy of such data is crucial for understanding genuine public sentiment and for informing policy development.

The "Schooling in America" survey series by EdChoice has consistently tracked public attitudes toward various educational reforms. This latest iteration, conducted in 2026, specifically probes support for mechanisms that allow parents to direct public funds toward private educational options or to cover educational expenses outside traditional public schools. The focus on ESAs and vouchers suggests a growing parental desire for flexibility and personalized educational pathways for their children. The survey's findings are expected to be closely watched by policymakers, education advocates, and parents across the nation as debates over educational reform continue.