The Heritage Foundation announced today that Florida ranks #1 in Education Freedom for the third consecutive year. This achievement is attributed to Florida’s initiatives to expand school choice, support parental rights in education, and ensure families can make optimal educational choices for their children. The Education Freedom Report Card, which began in 2022, has consistently placed Florida at the top.
“Florida has enacted policies that allow parents to direct where education money goes,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our universal school choice program has empowered families, benefitted students, and improved educational opportunities. Florida leads on education freedom—and students and families are better off because of this leadership.”
“I am proud that Florida has once again been recognized for our commitment to ensuring that students can access an education that works for them,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida offers the most robust array of education options in the nation. I encourage other states to follow our example and break the norm to create higher performing students and happier families.”
The report card evaluates states based on four categories: school choice, transparency, regulatory freedom, and spending. States were assessed on access to scholarship programs, private school design, and the environment for charter schools and homeschooling within the education choice category.
In addition to its overall #1 ranking for Education Freedom, Florida also earned high rankings in several specific categories:
- #1 for Academic Transparency due to expansive legislation allowing parents access to classroom materials and Florida’s Parental Bill of Rights.
- #2 for Teacher Freedom due to alternative pathways into the teaching profession.
- #2 for Education Choice owing to empowerment of families in making educational decisions.
The full Education Freedom Report Card is available on the Heritage Foundation website.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.