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Original research from more than 40,000 families revealing what matters most to parents about their child’s school. In partnership with Nashville Police and Public Safety Alliance.
What influences how families feel about their child’s school? Is it academics, communication, school safety, bullying, or something else? To answer these questions, Possip partnered with The Nashville Alliance to analyze feedback from more than 40,000 parents and caregivers and over 42,000 written comments collected from public, charter, and private schools between 2022 and 2024. Unlike traditional surveys focused on a single topic, this research examines the concerns families naturally chose to share through recurring Pulse Checks, providing an authentic picture of what shapes school climate, family engagement, and trust in schools.
One of the report’s most important findings is that school safety profoundly influences how families experience their schools. While high-profile events often dominate headlines, families most frequently discuss everyday issues such as bullying, student behavior, communication during safety incidents, and confidence that schools are prepared to keep children safe. The research explores how safety concerns vary across grade levels and school communities while highlighting the critical connection between safety, family satisfaction, and confidence in schools.
Beyond safety, the report offers practical insights into school communication, family engagement, parent sentiment, and continuous school improvement. It demonstrates how routinely collecting feedback through short, accessible Pulse Checks allows school leaders to identify emerging concerns, recognize successful practices, and make informed decisions before small issues become larger challenges. Possip’s surveys are delivered by text message or email in more than 100 languages, and feedback is synthesized into actionable reports that help schools strengthen relationships with families and improve the educational experience.
Whether you’re a superintendent, principal, family engagement leader, school safety professional, or education researcher, this report provides evidence-based insights into school safety, bullying prevention, school climate, parent voice, and family engagement. Download the report to explore original research, actionable recommendations, and proven strategies for building safer, stronger, and more connected school communities through continuous listening and meaningful action.
