Missouri Voters Want Better Schools AND More Choices

A new poll from Saint Louis University shows what many families already know: Missouri’s public schools aren’t meeting the mark—and parents want more say in how their children learn.

What the Poll Found

Only 8 out of 100 voters said Missouri public schools are doing an excellent job. Another 31% said they’re good. But a majority—60% of voters—rated public schools as either fair or poor. That’s a clear sign that people are not satisfied with the status quo.

At the same time, support for school choice is strong and growing.

• 63% of voters support open enrollment, which lets students attend public schools outside their assigned district.
• 53% support Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)—programs that help families pay for private school, homeschooling, tutoring, or other learning needs. When people learn what ESAs actually do, support jumps to 61%.
• Nearly half of voters support charter schools, with many others still unsure—meaning there’s room to build awareness and support.

Support for private school vouchers was lower, with more voters unsure or opposed, showing that how a program is described matters.

Why It Matters

Missouri families are ready for change. Voters want better schools—and more power to choose what works best for their kids. When people understand how school choice programs work, they’re more likely to support them.

These results send a strong message: families want freedom in education. They want to match their child with the learning environment that helps them grow, thrive, and succeed.

At CEAM, we believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education—no matter their zip code, income, or background. That’s why we’ll keep working to expand school choice across Missouri and ensure that families have the information and access they need.

You can read all the survey questions and responses here.