São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro see lowest public perception of education improvement

A recent survey titled ‘O que a população pensa sobre a educação 2026’ reveals that the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have the lowest public perception regarding improvements in public education over the last four years. In both states, 25% of respondents reported that the quality of public schools ‘worsened’ or ‘worsened significantly’ during this period.

While 38% of respondents in Rio de Janeiro and 33% in São Paulo believe the situation has improved, these figures are the lowest among all Brazilian federative units. Nationally, 49% of respondents feel public school quality has improved, while 17% believe it has declined.

Regional data shows the Northeast has the most positive perception, with 56% reporting improvements, led by Alagoas (66%), Ceará (65%), and Sergipe (65%). Conversely, the Southeast region holds the lowest index at 43%. Pedro Rodrigues, an educational policy coordinator at Todos Pela Educação, noted a correlation between educational performance and public perception, observing that São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are currently among the states with lower educational results and higher levels of public criticism.