Public school spending in the United States reached a historic high in fiscal 2024, averaging $17,619 per student, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That represents a 6.6% increase over the previous year’s $16,526 figure and covers operating costs for elementary and secondary schools, excluding construction, land, equipment, or debt service.
Enrollment continues to decline
At the same time, the National Center for Education Statistics shows enrollment falling from roughly 50.8 million students in 2019 to about 49.4 million in 2024. Federal projections anticipate the number dropping to around 46.9 million by 2031, a decline of roughly 5.5% from 2022.
Public sentiment hits record low
Gallup’s September 2026 survey found only 32% of Americans satisfied with the quality of K‑12 education, the lowest level in the poll’s 27‑year history, while 67% expressed dissatisfaction. Among parents of current students, 66% said they were satisfied with their own child’s education – also a record low, though still higher than the overall figure.
Academic performance trends
The latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results show U.S. 15‑year‑olds scoring 465 in mathematics in 2022, down from 478 in 2018. Reading scores slipped slightly to 504 from 505 in the same period.
Spending varies widely by state
Per‑student spending ranges dramatically. New York leads with $31,918, followed by the District of Columbia at $31,529, Vermont at $28,818, New Jersey at $27,234 and Connecticut at $26,316. At the low end, Idaho spends $11,060, Utah $11,347, Arizona $12,003, Oklahoma $12,162 and Mississippi $12,324.
Policy debate intensifies
Education commentator Corey DeAngelis, writing for Fox News, argues that the combination of higher costs, shrinking enrollment, and stagnant academic outcomes underscores the need for more educational options, including homeschooling and school‑choice programs. He cites examples from Texas and New York to illustrate growing parental demand for alternatives to traditional public schools.
Districts facing declining enrollment are already considering school closures and consolidations to align facilities and staffing with smaller student bodies. The financial pressures and mixed performance data highlight the complex challenges confronting American public education today.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
