June 24, 2025
Contact: Kent Fischer at kent@the-learning-agency.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Results of a new national poll released today by Renaissance Philanthropy and The Learning Agency find that a broad majority of voters support a strong federal role in public education.

Voters – across political lines – also strongly disagree with some of the key elements of the current administration’s education policies, like dismantling the federal Department of Education.

Many of the current and proposed cuts slashed major innovative research and development programs, particularly in AI. The administration also cut efforts to figure out what works in schools. Yet voters generally support such programs. For instance, nearly 80% of those surveyed said efforts to find and share effective teaching and learning practices should be a “priority” for the federal government.

Overall, Americans across political lines believe the federal government should remain deeply involved in public education:

• 87% of voters believe the federal government should continue to fund public education, with 72% wanting federal education spending to increase. Even among Republicans, 54% support increasing education funding.
• A majority of voters (53%) disapprove of President Trump’s handling of K-12 education, compared to just 35% who approve.
  

“These results make one thing clear: Americans want the federal government to be a partner in improving public education,” said Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy. “Voters understand that national investment, data, and research are key to driving better outcomes for all students. They want the federal government involved in those efforts.”

Strong Public Support for Identifying Effective Practices 

The poll was conducted by research firms Impact Research (D) and UpOne Insights (R) and  found widespread agreement on the importance of federal support for education:

• 79% said it should be a federal “priority” to provide schools with guidance on the most effective teaching strategies.
• 77% said the government should also prioritize funding research to identify those effective teaching strategies.
• 76% want the federal government to collect and publish national data on school performance.
• 55% believe federal education cuts will harm their local schools in some way, mostly by lowering the quality of schooling and hurting vulnerable students.

“Voters do not want the Trump administration to defund the Department of Education,” said Meg Benner, Managing Director of The Learning Agency. “In fact, they want more from the federal government: More funding, more innovation, more research into what works. Trump is doing exactly the opposite.”

About the Poll

Conducted between May 8-19, 2025, the poll surveyed 1,500 registered voters across the country on key issues related to federal education policy. Its results are representative of the United States’ demographic composition. The poll was conducted by research firms Impact Research (D) and UpOne Insights (R). 

About Renaissance Philanthropy

Renaissance Philanthropy’s mission is to fuel a 21st-century renaissance by increasing the ambition of philanthropists, scientists, and innovators.

About The Learning Agency

The Learning Agency drives educational innovation by identifying and supporting new ideas, tools, and practices that improve teaching and learning. We partner with leaders to apply cutting-edge technology and research to help all learners succeed.

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