The EdChoice organization has released the results of its annual "Schooling in America Survey", which examines the trends in opinions towards K-12 education. The survey includes questions regarding Americans’ views of the direction of education, parents’ satisfaction with children’s educational experiences, and perceptions of school choice programs.

The results show that parents are increasingly dissatisfied with the current educational system, with 64% of school parents answering that education is headed in the wrong direction. That percentage is eight points higher than last year. Support for school choice programs continues to rise. In 2014, 60%–70% of parents supported choice programs like educational savings account programs, tax credit scholarship programs, vouchers, and charter schools. This year shows a substantial increase, with 84% supporting ESAs, about 79% supporting tax credits, 78% supporting vouchers, and 72% supporting charter schools. While 80% of parents surveyed had children enrolled in a public school, only 40% would select the public school if they had a choice; 60% indicated they would choose private, charter, or home school if given the option.

Regarding technology, most parents preferred the availability of a virtual option for schooling, with 58% favoring a part-time option, and 53% supporting a full-time virtual option. When broken down by demographics, the survey showed that support for school choice is very high across party lines.

This information can be very helpful when communicating to lawmakers the importance of educational policies that empower parental choice.