Colorado 2025 Public Education Opinion Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a survey of 1,078 registered voters in Colorado. The interviews were conducted from October 20th to October 28th, 2025.

Colorado voters expressed broadly negative perceptions of the state’s public education system, with a majority saying it was on the wrong track and fewer than one-third believing it was headed in the right direction. Similar sentiments were reflected at the local level, where more voters said schools in their area were on the wrong track than on the right path. Approval of local school districts was divided, with roughly equal shares approving and disapproving, indicating a lack of strong consensus in either direction.

Perceptions of school funding and financial management were also mixed but leaned negative. A majority believed their local school district did not have sufficient financial resources to provide a quality education, yet most also said that additional funding would likely improve outcomes. At the same time, fewer than one-third believed districts managed financial resources efficiently, while about half disagreed, reflecting skepticism about how funds were allocated and spent.

When asked about the reasons behind their views, voters who believed schools were on the right track pointed to strong teachers, improved student outcomes, and effective leadership and community support. In contrast, those who felt schools were on the wrong track most often cited concerns about political influence in classrooms, declining academic standards, and financial mismanagement. These competing narratives highlighted a polarized perception of the education system across the state.

Voters identified several key challenges that schools should prioritize. The most frequently cited issues included attracting and retaining high-quality teachers, increasing teacher pay, and preparing students for the workforce. Mental health support, school safety, and college preparation were also considered important, though to a lesser degree. Additionally, many respondents emphasized the need to focus on real-world skills, core academics, and reducing political influence in education.

When evaluating priorities for school spending, voters placed the highest importance on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, retaining high-quality teachers, and expanding career training opportunities. Teaching basic academic subjects and offering STEM programs were also widely supported, while items such as arts programs, experiential learning, and broader inclusivity initiatives were ranked lower. These findings suggested a strong emphasis on practical skills and academic fundamentals.

Awareness of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs was relatively limited, with fewer than four in ten voters familiar with them and many unsure whether their local district offered such programs. However, once CTE programs were explained, they were viewed very favorably, with more than eight in ten saying they would have a more positive opinion of districts that offered them. Voters widely believed CTE provided practical, job-ready skills and addressed workforce needs.

Voters were divided on structural and policy questions facing education systems. Opinions were nearly split on whether schools with declining enrollment should remain open or be consolidated. When comparing school models, voters slightly preferred smaller schools that foster closer relationships, though a significant share favored larger schools with more opportunities. The state’s Universal Preschool program received strong majority support, driven by perceived benefits for families, early childhood development, and community equity, though opposition focused on cost, government involvement, and ideological concerns.

Finally, voters expressed nuanced views on postsecondary education and career pathways. While a majority believed a four-year college degree was important, most also viewed it as unaffordable and expected students to graduate with significant debt. A large majority said both college preparation and career training were important, though more leaned toward emphasizing Career and Technical Education. Overall, the survey indicated that voters prioritized practical skills, affordability, and workforce readiness, while remaining concerned about system direction, financial stewardship, and the balance between academic and career-focused education.