Most Parents Support AI in Schools, But How It’s Used Matters
With the back to school season in full swing 88% of parents say they’re at least somewhat excited about the back-to-school season, though 67% also feel at least somewhat stressed. Adding to the stress? Now parents need to consider their school’s approach to AI – something that 78% of parents say matters when evaluating education options.
This data, which comes from a survey of 2,053 parents of school-aged children conducted in July of 2026 by the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, shows what parents around the country have long known: back to school takes immense preparation and coordination.
“Finding the ‘right fit’ and personalizing the choice of a school for each child has become the goal of school choice. What’s interesting is that parents are bringing that lens to how they think about the decisions that happen inside the school itself, focusing on AI’s potential to personalize education first and foremost.”
– Shelby Doyle, Vice President of Policy and National Partnerships
What do parents think about AI in schools?
Three-quarters of parents (76%) favor at least some use of AI in schools — 47% say schools should actively integrate AI into learning, and 30% say AI should be used in limited or moderate ways. About 19% say schools should use little or no AI, and 4% are not sure. A school’s approach to AI matters to most parents: 78% call it at least somewhat important when thinking about schools for their child.
The most persuasive argument in favor of AI in education is that it personalizes learning to each student’s needs and pace (42%), followed by preparing students for AI-driven careers (21%). The most persuasive argument against AI in education is that it makes students too dependent on technology (48%), followed by concerns that it weakens critical thinking skills (12%) and makes cheating easier (16%).
“Parents aren’t looking for technology to replace teachers. They’re looking for thoughtful approaches that use technology to support learning while preserving the critical thinking, creativity, and relationships that remain essential to quality education.”
– Shelby Doyle, Vice President of Policy and National Partnerships
How did families spend their summer?
Families are wrapping up their summer activities and switching gears to be ready for the first day of school. But how did they spend their summer?
The majority of parents (76%) reported that their children spent the summer playing outside! Others shared that their children spent the time watching TV or streaming video (60%), playing sports (57%), and playing video games (52%). Roughly one in three traveled with family (43%), engaged in arts, music, or creative activities (35%), attended summer camp (38%), or read for fun (35%). Only 20% took part in summer learning or tutoring.
How are families feeling about the upcoming school year?
Parents are entering the school year more excited than stressed, but a majority feel both. 88% of parents describe themselves as at least somewhat excited about the back-to-school season, while 67% also describe themselves as at least somewhat stressed about it. Parents perceive their children as feeling similarly, though somewhat less intensely: 82% of parents say their child(ren) are at least somewhat excited about returning to school, and 57% say their child(ren) are at least somewhat stressed.
What are parents most concerned about?
When asked to name their biggest concern for the upcoming school year, parents point most often to school safety (38%), well ahead of academic progress (16%) and bullying (12%). Smaller shares named their child’s mental health (8%), school-related costs (4%), friendships or social adjustment (6%), AI in education (4%), screen time or cell phone use (3%), or teacher shortages (2%). 6% of parents surveyed said they have no concerns about the upcoming school year.
When parents are asked about their children’s worries, they see them differently from their own. The largest share of parents say their child is most concerned about making friends or fitting in (32%), followed by keeping up with schoolwork (20%). School safety (11%) and new teachers or classmates (10%) follow, with bullying (8%) and stress or mental health (6%) further behind. About 10% of parents say their child has nothing in particular to worry about.
For interview opportunities, please contact Lucia Matamoros at [email protected].
