Wealthier Americans feel better about their schools than those with low incomes, according to a new poll.

Fifty-seven percent of Americans with an annual household income over $100,000 gave their local schools an “A” or “B”, a Phi Delta Kappa International survey found. By comparison, 42 percent of parents with annual household incomes less than $50,000 gave a similar grade.

Georgia public schools in wealthier areas typically perform better academically.

The poll is based on a 50-state sample of 1,221 adults interviewed by cell or landline telephone — in English or Spanish — in April and May. It’s conducted by Langer Research Associates of New York. PDK has conducted an annual survey since 1969 measuring the American public’s thoughts about education.

The PDK poll found Americans are split about whether charter schools should be allowed to set their own standards. It also found few Americans believe that closing failing schools is the best way to improve education.

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Children in the Head Start program engage in indoor activities with lead teacher Genesis Lavanway at the Arthur M. Blank Early Learning Center, Atlanta, where providers, parents and advocates celebrated the 60th birthday of the federal Head Start program on Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

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