Education is one of the most hotly debated issues in the state year after year. From public K-12 education to new innovative options, where do Tennesseans stand on the state of education?
In the May 2026 focus groups, we asked participants about public K-12 education and Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship program. According to our polling, only 47% of Tennesseans are satisfied with how things are going in public K-12 education in the state. Would you say you are satisfied or dissatisfied? Listen to what your fellow Tennesseans had to say about the issue in this round of focus groups.
Additional Insights
In February 2026’s focus groups, participants weighed in on how they feel about K-12 education in Tennessee.
52%
of Tennessee voters believe there is not enough religion in public schools.
72%
think public schools should be allowed to include prayer or Bible readings as part of classroom activities.
56%
of voters want the cap on Education Freedom Scholarships lifted.
50%
Regarding the U.S. Department of Education, 50% of Tennesseans want it eliminated with funding returned to the states.
61%
of Tennesseans support expanding charter schools statewide.
49%
of Tennesseans who have children under the age of 6 cite the cost of childcare as their biggest challenge.
Education Media
Positive Views on K-12 Education Coincide with Expanded Options
By Justin Owen Tennesseans have strong opinions about education in our state. That’s no surprise,…Focus Groups: K-12 Education
In each poll, we ask if Tennesseeans are satisfied with how things are going in…
