Parents want more say in children’s education

A majority of parents want to play a key role in their children’s educational experiences, according to a spring survey released in October and recently reported on by The 74.

The findings come after school closures gave parents an inside look at what their children were — and weren’t — learning, causing many parents from different backgrounds and political affiliations to reevaluate their education.

More than half of the 3,115 polled parents feel a greater sense of ownership over their child’s K-12 education and want to “direct and tailor” their children’s educational experiences versus leaving it up to their local school system, according to the survey. Additionally, 59 percent of parent respondents said their educational preferences have changed following COVID-19, with nearly 80 percent saying learning “can and should happen everywhere.”

“What we’re hearing from parents loud and clear is they feel a greater sense of ownership over their child’s education,” said Christian Lehr, a senior principal in Tyton’s strategy consulting practice. “The last two years have been incredibly difficult. Now, parents are actively searching for new experiences that will deliver on academic promises, yes, but also bring joy and delight.” 

The most recently reported statewide enrollment data from the 2021-2022 school year show Minnesota public schools have experienced two consecutive years of enrollment declines, with private school enrollment and charter school enrollment continuing to increase.