But even though older generations do not doubt the importance of math, students aren’t that psyched about it.
According to a 2025 survey fielded by RAND’s new American Youth Panel (AYP), 49% of students in middle and high school report losing interest in math about half or more of the time, and 75% of youths report losing interest for at least some class time.
Loss of interest in math is consistent across genders and racial and ethnic groups.
Furthermore, 30% of middle and high school students said they have never considered themselves a “math person.”
Those who do identify as math people usually formed that view during elementary school, suggesting that early math experiences (and possibly teachers) play a key role in shaping our positive attitudes toward the subject.






















