In an expensive state where money seems to be a constant issue, it’s no surprise that funding is another big reason why public education in California is lacking. And like other states on this list, the “fiscal cliff” that combines the expiration of federal COVID relief funds and a record-low for state funding combined with a 1 percent cost of living increase has put a lot of school districts into a pretty desperate position when it comes to budgeting.
In November 2024, California voters are expected to vote on a voucher program that would make it easier for families to pay for private school, but the last time a similar initiative was voted on more than 20 years ago, it lost 70 percent to 30 percent.