Over 80% of New Mexico residents express a desire for more public-school choices, with nearly three in four supporting the development and opening of additional public charter schools. This information comes from a statewide survey conducted by Research & Polling Inc., commissioned by the Chamber and several partner organizations focused on ensuring high-quality education for every child in New Mexico.
The support for expanding public charter school options spans political affiliations, ethnicities, ages, income levels, and regions. Specifically, seven out of ten Democrats and Independents and eight out of ten Republicans favor the continued development of these schools. Regional backing is strongest in Albuquerque metro (76%) and North Central New Mexico (76%), while remaining significant in Northwest (66%), Las Cruces/Southwest (68%), and Eastern New Mexico (69%). Notably, even 70% of union households support charter school growth.
Chamber President and CEO Terri Cole stated, “It’s not surprising that New Mexico families – from every corner of the state – want more high-quality public school options.” She emphasized that many families see public charter schools as essential to providing better educational opportunities.
Parents with school-age children show strong support for public charter schools, with 77% advocating for more such institutions in New Mexico. Additionally, 78% believe that these schools enhance public education overall.
The survey also reveals substantial opposition to proposals aimed at halting the opening or expansion of charter schools. In Albuquerque metro area alone, 74% oppose policies stopping new openings, with nearly half strongly opposing them. Only 15% would back such restrictions.
Across all regions, residents tend to view political candidates who endorse charter school expansion more favorably than those who do not. In Albuquerque specifically, favorable views outweigh unfavorable ones by a ratio of four to one.
Charter schools are publicly funded institutions open to all students without charge. Their expansion aligns with the Chamber's efforts to improve public education—a top policy priority.
The poll involved interviews with 506 New Mexicans during late August and early September this year and carries a margin of error of 4.3%. It was commissioned by entities including New Mexico Kids CAN, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, Excellent Schools New Mexico, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and Teach Plus New Mexico.
