Our Annual Community Survey
Parent Voices, Loud and Clear
APE’s 2026 Community Survey asked families about the issues that matter most to them — from academic rigor and instructional time to classroom technology and APE’s advocacy priorities.
A Clear Set of Priorities
Across both the ranked priorities and open-ended responses, several themes emerged consistently from our survey results:
Great teachers matter most. Recruiting, retaining and supporting high-quality teachers and staff was the highest-rated advocacy priority at 91%.
Instructional time matters. 83% supported minimizing shortened school weeks and prioritizing at least 180 school days.
Families want stronger academics. Writing, evidence-based curricula and student excellence all ranked among respondents’ leading advocacy priorities.
Parents want more balance with technology. 80% supported reducing iPads/screens while increasing textbooks and hands-on materials.
Survey participants represented families across APS.
67% Elementary · 28% Middle · 17% High School
Who Responded?
What survey respondents want APE to prioritize
91%
Support Great Teachers
Recruit, retain and support high-quality teachers and staff.
83%
Protect Instructional Time
Minimize shortened school weeks and prioritize at least 180 school days.
80%
Strengthen Writing
Increase writing instruction across the APS curriculum.
80%
Rebalance Classroom Technology
Reduce reliance on iPads and screens while increasing textbooks and hands-on materials.
79%
Strengthen the Curriculum
Prioritize evidence-based curricula across APS.
74%
Raise the Bar
Promote high expectations and excellence for all students.
Percent rating each priority in the top two categories: “Extremely Appealing” or “Very Appealing.”
What We Heard From Parents
90%
Prefer textbooks and worksheets/workbooks instead of device use
Support the Falls Church calendar model: schools remain open on non-federal religious holidays, with excused absences
90%
Would opt out of receiving a personal APS-issued school iPad.
73%
Beyond the numbers, parents told us what matters to them in their own words.
Academic Rigor & Challenge
Parents want students challenged — and supported in reaching their potential. Open-ended responses emphasized higher academic expectations, stronger writing instruction, deeper reading, more rigorous math, and differentiated opportunities for advanced learners.
“Set higher expectations and focus on true academic achievement. Our students are capable of more, and APS should help them reach it.”
“Bring back whole books and more in-depth reading. Students should be reading and analyzing meaningful literature, not just excerpts.”
“We need more writing across all grade levels. Strong writing skills are essential, and there is not enough focus on this.”
More Consistent Time in School
Families want fewer disruptions to the school week. Parents raised concerns about frequent shortened weeks, holidays, teacher workdays and early releases - both for their impact on instructional continuity and for the challenges they create for working families.
“We should focus on what’s best for students - more in-school learning time and fewer unnecessary days off.”
“The constant three- and four-day weeks are disruptive to learning, routines, and family schedules.”
“I support the Falls Church model: keep schools open on non-federal religious holidays, with excused absences.”
Screens, iPads & EdTech
Parents are asking for a better balance.
Open-ended responses called for more intentional use of educational technology and greater emphasis on books, handwriting, hands-on materials and teacher-led instruction. Parents also raised concerns about distraction, screen time, health, privacy and data security.