President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are rightfully concerned about America’s low fertility rate, which is barely hovering above the record low it hit in 2023. As they seek to spark a baby boom, Trump and Musk must solve one huge factor that makes raising children harder and having children less appealing: Our country’s public schools are a disaster.
Only 4% of public school eighth graders are advanced readers, and 34% are considered “below basic.” Forty-one percent are “below basic” in math. Fixing this would be an immeasurable service to current and future parents and their children.
Parents and nonparents alike are painfully aware of the education crisis. A whopping 73% of Americans said they are either somewhat or very dissatisfied with the quality of public education, according to Gallup. No parent wants to send their child to a place where they do not learn, but many have no choice.
Dodging failing schools comes at a price many parents can’t afford. Private school costs an average of $12,790 per child per year. Homeschooling often requires foregoing one parent’s earning potential and footing the bill for learning materials. Buying a home in a top-rated school district can cost nearly 80% more than a home in nearby counties, according to a study by Realtor.com.
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Read the entire article at the Washington Examiner