This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a nationwide network of parents and teachers working together in national, state, and local organizations to improve the lives of children. Membership at the local level is open to anyone who has an interest in children. There are now nearly 3 million members nationwide, according to National PTA. Joining the PTA is an excellent way for parents to get involved in their children's education. Local PTAs throughout the country are making a difference in the quality of children's education.
A local PTA chapter is part of a national network of organizations working together for children's interests. Most parents join a local unit, which automatically gives them membership in the state and national PTAs. The local unit can represent a single school or a group of schools. Local units have the autonomy to establish their own priorities, select the national programs in which they will participate, assess the needs of the school, and decide how to raise needed funds.
This video explains reasons for joining the PTA.
Fundraising
Local units frequently hold fundraisers, the proceeds from which go to support school programs, building maintenance or improvements, and educational events. The following are examples of how local PTAs can improve a child's education.
- The children at Washington Elementary School in San Gabriel, California, enjoyed their art classes thanks to a $6,000 donation by the school's PTA. Art was not a required subject in the district, so no state funding was available. Knowing that there would be further cuts in the California budget, the PTA held fundraising events in an effort to continue and expand art education. In one fundraiser, first through fifth graders raised funds by soliciting pledges for each lap they walked around the school playground. Participating students said that they supported the event because they enjoyed the art lessons.
- In Howard County, Maryland, the PTA Council joined forces with the Police Department to keep students safe on prom night. The partnership was formed in response to an incident on prom night in 2001 in which one teen was killed and another seriously injured. The Police Department reminded hotels in which proms were held that they must strictly enforce hotel policies prohibiting anyone under age 21 from renting a room. The Department also disseminated information on the consequences of underage drinking to students and parents. The PTAs sponsored after-prom celebrations for public high schools. The purpose of the parties was to discourage students from having private parties at which alcohol and drugs might be present. The PTA-sponsored parties had food, music, activities, and door prizes.
- The PTA of Salisbury Elementary School in Massachusetts had a reputation for raising more than $50,000 per year for school enrichment programs such as field trips. In 2006-2007, in response to severe budget cuts, the PTA raised $135,000, part of which was devoted to furnishing classroom and teaching supplies, materials, and equipment. The funds also provided enrichment activities, teachers' luncheons, and books for the library. The PTA mounted an aggressive fundraising effort, including raffling off a Mustang, selling gifts, recycling cans, holding craft and book fairs, saving box tops, ice cream socials, and other events. "We want the kids to know how important they are," stated Salisbury's outgoing PTA president. They also hoped to serve as examples so that their children would become adults who would serve their children and community in the same manner.
Schools are unique and have their own students, needs, and goals. For example, some schools need basic school supplies whereas others need enrichment programs. By participating in a local PTA, parents are able to identify what the needs are and to work together with teachers to provide the best possible education for their children. Public School Review's Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update provides additional information about the role parents can play in their children's schools.
A Voice in Local Policies
Just as the National PTA lobbies Congress and the general public about federal legislation involving children, local PTAs speak up for children on local issues. For example, when a school district superintendent announces that a school will be closed at the end of a school year due to declining enrollment, the school's PTA members may speak out forcefully to the media in favor of keeping the school open. They may point out that the school has shown considerable academic progress. They may express concern about students being bused out of the local area and about children from the same families being separated. The parents may press their case at informational meetings scheduled by the superintendent and at the school board meeting.
School districts are always making decisions that entail some kind of change in the existing order. For example, some districts may decide to move the sixth grade from elementary school to middle school, to discontinue an athletic program, or to renovate an existing school rather than build a new one. Parents have every right to be informed about school board policies and to express their views about proposed changes. Speaking out can be more effective when done as a group rather than on an individual basis. Local PTAs are ideal vehicles for expressing parents' positions on educational issues. Public School Review's Public School Boards Demystified: How Parents Can Influence the Board's Decisions offers additional information about how parents can participate in local school governance.
This video explains what PTAs do.
Benefits of Joining a Local PTA
Numerous studies have shown that children have more success in school when their parents are involved in their education. The U.S. Department of Education continues to emphasize meaningful family engagement and stronger relationships between families and educators. Becoming a member of a local PTA is one of the best ways for parents to get involved. Working in the PTA, parents meet the principals, the teachers, and the parents of their children's friends. By getting the input of others, parents gain greater insight into the school's strengths and weaknesses. Public School Review's How to Build a Strong Parent-Teacher Relationship provides additional guidance for parents who want to strengthen communication with their children's teachers.
The major advantage of being a PTA member is that you will have a chance to evaluate how to improve your child's school and to participate in providing the school with much-needed resources. You can be certain that your involvement can help your child to achieve greater success in school. As a PTA member, you will also have access to parenting information, advocacy updates, and online parenting resources.
A local PTA member has options regarding the level of involvement. Parents can attend meetings, spearhead fundraisers, serve as spokespersons, or become an officer of the local unit. Local PTA members can also participate in state and national PTA activities. Thus, even parents with busy schedules can easily find a way to participate. Parents looking for another direct way to participate in their child's education can also review Public School Review's Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Conclusion
Many parents know that parental involvement in their child's school is important but don't really know where to begin. Joining the PTA is an easy way to get involved. By joining with teachers and other parents, you can help your child succeed and work to provide benefits to improve the school for all the students.
