Americans’ satisfaction with U.S. K-12 schools has hit its lowest point in 27 years.

A Gallup poll published in August found that only 32% of adults are satisfied with the school system.

That is an 11-point drop over two years.

Dissatisfaction has risen to a record 67%.

The decline is driven partly by politics.

Democrats’ satisfaction has fallen about 19 points since President Donald Trump’s second term began in 2025.

Independents and Republicans also reported lower satisfaction.

Experts say the Trump administration has fueled distrust by treating schools as political battlegrounds.

It has also moved to dismantle the Education Department.

Politics is not the only factor.

Public confidence has fallen since the COVID-19 pandemic closed classrooms.

Repeated reports of declining test scores have added to the negative mood.

So have debates over technology and AI in schools.

One researcher said people are frustrated with institutions generally.

Parents still view their own children’s schools more positively.

About two-thirds of parents with school-age children are satisfied with their child’s education.

That is double the national figure.

Experts say parents judge their own schools.

Adults overall, however, judge schools they have never visited.