Florida is ranked #1 in Education Freedom for the third consecutive year, according to a report released today by the Heritage Foundation. This accomplishment is directly attributable to Florida’s policies supporting parental rights in education, increasing school choice, and enabling families to choose the best educational option for each of their children. Since the start of the Education Freedom Report Card in 2022, Florida has consistently received the highest grade.
Governor Ron DeSantis stated, “Florida has enacted policies that allow parents to direct where education money goes.” “Our program of universal school choice has enhanced educational options, benefited students, and given families more power. Florida is a leader in school freedom, and as a result, families and students benefit.
Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. remarked, “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.” “Under Governor DeSantis’ direction, Florida has the widest range of educational choices in the country. I urge other states to defy convention in order to produce happier families and better-performing pupils.
The report card ranks states based on four criteria: spending, school choice, regulatory flexibility, and transparency. Under the education choice category, states were rated based on the accessibility of scholarship programs, the layout of private schools, and the climate for homeschooling and charter schools.
Apart from being the top state in the nation for Education Freedom, Florida also achieved great rankings in the following categories:
- 1 for Academic Transparency as a result of Florida’s Parental Bill of Rights and broad laws granting parents access to educational resources.
- 2 for Teacher Freedom because of Florida’s alternate routes to become a teacher.
- 2 for Education Choice since Florida gives families the freedom to choose the finest educational path for each of their unique children.
The Heritage Foundation website has the complete Education Freedom Report Card available for viewing.
Go to www.fldoe.org to learn more about the Florida Department of Education.