As students return to the classroom this fall, more than four times as many Americans rate public schools “poor,” as rate them “excellent.”

This is according to the latest Rasmussen Reports.

The national survey found that only eight percent (8%) of American adults rate the performance of public schools in America today as “excellent.”

Twenty-two percent (22%) rate America’s schools “good,” 31% rate them “fair” and 35% give public schools a “poor” rating.

These findings are in line with surveys dating back to 2012, with the “poor” rating for America’s schools ranging from 26% to 36% and the combined “excellent”/ “good” total never topping 30%.

However, when respondents were asked about the performance of the public schools where they reside, 47% of Americans rated their local schools as either “excellent” (18%) or “good” (29%).

Just 19% said their local schools were doing a “poor” job.

To see survey question wording, click here.