Abstract:
The rapid expansion of school choice programs in the United States raises questions about the sources of growing public support. Drawing on policy feedback theory, this study examines whether personal experience with choice options and exposure to information about existing programs cultivate broader political backing. Using data from a nationally representative survey (N=1,447) fielded in September 2025, we find that individuals with direct or familial experience with vouchers, education savings accounts, charter schools, homeschooling, or open enrollment are significantly more likely to support expanding publicly funded school choice. Satisfaction with these experiences further strengthens support. A randomized survey experiment demonstrates that framing choice policies as already implemented in real states or countries modestly increases support, particularly among respondents initially skeptical or ambivalent, with effects varying by the perceived political alignment of the referenced location. These findings suggest that familiarity—through participation or visibility—generates positive policy feedback, contributing to the momentum behind school choice expansion.