Florida has been recognized as the leading state for education freedom, according to the ALEC Index of State Education Freedom: A 50 State Guide to Parental Empowerment. This announcement was made by Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. on January 27, 2025.
The ALEC Index aims to provide a detailed analysis of educational options available in each state and their accessibility for families. "Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has exponentially expanded opportunities for families to choose the best educational fit for their child," stated Commissioner Diaz. He further expressed pride in Florida's top ranking and emphasized the state's commitment to empowering parents with necessary resources.
The index evaluates states across various categories such as Education Freedom Programs, Charter Schools, Homeschooling, Virtual Schooling, and Open Enrollment. It offers insights into how states facilitate parental choice in education.
In addition to this accolade from ALEC, Florida has also been ranked number one for education freedom by the Heritage Foundation and number one for education overall by U.S. News and World Report.