53% of Americans support allowing teacher-led prayer in public schools, but only if students are not required to participate
Among U.S. adults
Note: Those who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
53% of Americans support allowing teacher-led prayer in public schools, but only if students are not required to participate
Among U.S. adults
| % of U.S adults who … | Share | % of U.S. adults who say … | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favor allowing public school teachers to lead their classes in school prayer | 46% | Public school teachers should be allowed to lead their classes in prayer, and students should be required to participate | 8% |
| Oppose allowing public school teachers to lead their classes in school prayer | 53% | Public school teachers should be allowed to lead their classes in prayer, but only if students are not required to participate | 53% |
| Public school teachers should not be allowed to lead their classes in prayer at all | 37% |
Note: Those who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
