TSS Statewide Survey · February 2026
What Tennessee Voters Say About Education
500 registered voters surveyed February 5-8, 2026, ±4.38% margin of error, 95% confidence.
500
registered voters
±4.38%
Margin of error
95%
Confidence level
February 5-8
Field dates, 2026
Editor's note: Tennesseans for Student Success is the parent organization of Tennessee Firefly. We publish this survey in full alongside independent polling so readers can weigh it for themselves.
Testing & Accountability
- 87%want schools held accountable
- 81%say annual student testing matters
- 77%oppose removing exams
- 70%support the A-F school grading system
Voters want more accountability, not less.
School Choice
- 82%support open enrollment
- 71%support public school choice
- 61%would send their child to a different school if cost and location were not barriers
- 55%want state intervention in persistently low-performing schools
Remove the barriers and a clear majority would leave their zoned school.
Spending & Efficiency
- 64%say education funds are not being spent efficiently
Blame is spread nearly evenly: local boards (31%), fraud (26%), and government regulations (25%).
Career Readiness
- 67%say keep the Algebra II requirement rather than lower the academic bar
- 52%say students are not prepared for college or a well-paying job
- 39%say they lack information about career paths
A majority has lost confidence in the graduation pipeline.
Source: Tennesseans for Student Success. Full survey methodology available on request.