#None #K-12 School Choice #parent survey #NSCAF

Rising Interest in K-12 School Choice

A recent survey conducted by Navigate School Choice has unveiled staggering statistics regarding U.S. parents’ interest in K-12 school options. The results, published in early August 2025, estimated that nearly 74% of parents with school-aged children—approximately 47 million individuals—have considered transferring their child to a different educational institution within the last year.

The survey, which gathered responses from 3,214 parents across the nation in June 2025, represents the highest level of school choice consideration recorded since the National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) started monitoring these trends. This time, the survey was conducted at the end of the school year, providing fresh insights as families reflect on their educational decisions.

Among the data, the survey revealed that 28% of parents had actually changed their child's school in the past year. In contrast, 46% of parents explored other schooling options, ultimately deciding to remain in their current institutions. Shelby Doyle, the Senior Vice President of policy and national partnerships at Navigate School Choice, pointed out, “The experience of considering a new school for your child affects all types of parents and surfaces many times along the journey from kindergarten to high school.” She elaborated that as families often relocate or navigate milestones through education, it’s not surprising that the topic of school choice weighs heavily on their minds.

The survey further identified notable trends regarding which demographics are most engaged in exploring alternate schooling options. Younger parents—specifically those under 44 years, married, employed full-time, and residing in metropolitan regions—showed a higher propensity to search for new schools. Interestingly, the sentiment varied among different racial and ethnic groups: approximately 81% of Asian parents and 76% of Black parents indicated they were considering changing schools, in contrast to 73% of both Hispanic and White parents. Urban families, particularly, displayed the highest interest in new schooling avenues at 79%, followed closely by parents in small towns (73%), suburbs (73%), and rural settings (70%).

Despite this increased awareness and inquiry, many families faced substantial barriers when contemplating a school change. Common challenges described by the 30% of parents who explored new school options but ultimately decided against switching included worries about causing disruptions to their child’s academic and social life (29%), logistical difficulties related to transportation (27%), a limited selection of nearby alternatives (26%), and apprehension about making an incorrect choice (26%).

Doyle emphasized the variability in school types that families are considering. “Families are interested in a wide variety of schools; our survey showcases multiple educational options, ranging from public magnet to homeschooling, attracting families once they begin the search process,” she noted. However, she acknowledged that logistical issues such as transportation and students’ existing social circles also heavily influence these decisions.

Looking forward, the survey indicates that 56% of parents anticipate continuing their search for alternative schooling for at least one of their children in the upcoming year. The desire for school change remains especially strong among Asian and Black parents (with 65% and 63% likelihood, respectively), urban families (67%), and younger parents aged under 35.

For further insights and detailed results, the full survey findings are available at myschoolchoice.com/survey-june-2025. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) tirelessly works to enhance awareness regarding educational choices while remaining nonpartisan and neutral in its advocacy efforts.

In a landscape where educational decisions hold significant weight for children's futures, parents are increasingly proactive in navigating their options, striving for the best possible education for their kids. With the landscape continuously evolving, school choice remains a crucial discussion point for families across the country.