New Survey Finds Parents Divided on Eliminating Department of Education but United in Desire for Change and Interest in Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

Outschool Calls for More Personalized Learning Choices as Survey Shows Overwhelming Desire for Educational Reform, as well as Parental Fears about the Use of AI in Education

SAN FRANCISCO, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from leading online education platform Outschool, conducted by ResearchScape International in March 2025, reveals that while parents across the U.S. are divided about eliminating the Department of Education, they are overwhelmingly united in their belief that the traditional education system is failing to meet their children's needs. The survey polled 1,065 U.S. parents of children aged 5-18, highlighting an apparent demand for more personalized learning and greater parental control over their children's education.

According to the survey, 48% of parents disapprove of dismantling the Department of Education, with 31% strongly disapproving. However, 36% of parents approve to some degree, with men (23%) more likely than women (13%) to strongly approve of dismantling the Department. Support for the idea is notably higher among younger generations and Republicans, with 41% of Republicans and Independents that lean Republican favoring the dismantling compared to only 19% of Democrats.

Despite differing views on federal oversight, 81% of parents agree that the traditional education model needs to be reimagined for more personalized learning. Gen Z parents are the most likely to agree, with 83% expressing support for a more customized educational approach.

"Education is changing, and families deserve better options," said Amir Nathoo, CEO of Outschool. "What matters most is a child's engagement and love of learning. Studies have shown that intrinsic motivation, which drives genuine curiosity and creativity, significantly declines as children progress through the school system. This decline is tied to outdated assessment models that value rote memorization over meaningful engagement. Parents deserve the ability to design an education as unique as their child."

Parents are increasingly concerned about the limitations of the current system. Their top concerns include bullying and social issues, poor academic achievement, and school shootings and violence. 82% of parents indicated that if made available, they would utilize school choice funding if in their state; it's clear that families are eager for alternatives.

The survey also shows strong support for state-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), grants, and scholarships, with 48% of parents believing they help afford alternatives to public school and 46% saying they expand children's learning beyond the classroom.

When asked about education technology, parents had mixed feelings about artificial intelligence's burgeoning role. 63% of parents believe education technology has been beneficial, but are less enthusiastic about AI's role in education. Men were more supportive of ed tech in general, with 71% vs 57% of women saying it had been beneficial thus far in their child's education. While 39% are concerned about AI's influence, 36% feel it's essential to establish clear standards for AI use, and 35% are concerned about how AI makes cheating and plagiarism easier for kids; however, 34% are excited about the potential advancements AI may bring.

Outschool offers a solution to the current educational crisis with a global platform of live, interactive classes and personalized tutoring that caters to each child's passions, strengths, and ambitions. By removing traditional education's "one-size-fits-all" approach, Outschool empowers families to design an education that truly meets their child's needs.

Visit www.outschool.com for more information about Outschool and how it's transforming learning for children aged 3 to 18.

Survey Methodology: Conducted by Researchscape International on behalf of Outschool, the results in this report are from an online survey of 1,065 U.S. parents of children aged 5-18 that was fielded from March 11-13, 2025. The responses are not weighted.

About Outschool:
Outschool offers a better way to prepare kids ages 3-18 for a world that demands creativity, adaptability, and real-world skills. We remove the "one-size-fits-all" of the current traditional education system. Outschool makes it easy for families to design an education as unique as their child. Classes on Outschool range from one-time enrichment lessons to semester-long core courses, tutoring, and weekly social clubs. Classes are offered across all subjects, and learners range from age 3 to 18. More information can be found at Outschool.com.

Researchscape International
Researchscape International is a market-research firm that specializes in custom surveys and provides automated research tools. Founded in 2012, Researchscape focuses on an agile-research methodology, offering full-service research solutions with quick turnaround times as well as the ResearchStory analytical platform. In 2024, Researchscape International surveyed over 400,000 consumers and business professionals in 60+ countries.

Media contact:
Kristen Marion
623-308-2638
[email protected]

SOURCE Outschool