Florida is ranked number one in education freedom for the fourth consecutive year reflecting strong parental choice and K 12 leadership
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida has once again been recognized as a national leader in education freedom, earning the top spot in the Heritage Foundation’s Education Freedom Report Card for the fourth consecutive year. Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated the achievement, emphasizing the state’s commitment to expanding school choice and empowering parents to make decisions that are best for their children.
“In Florida, we are committed to ensuring parents have the power to make the education decisions that are best for their child,” said Governor DeSantis. “Florida offers a robust array of educational choices, which has solidified our state as a national leader in education freedom, parental power, and overall K-12 education.”
Since the report card’s inception in 2022, Florida has consistently topped the rankings, demonstrating the impact of policies designed to provide families with multiple avenues for their children’s learning. The evaluation considers five key categories: school choice, transparency, regulatory freedom, civic education, and spending. Florida’s performance in each category reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to place families at the center of educational decision-making.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas praised the continued recognition, noting that the ranking reinforces the state’s philosophy on parental involvement. “Earning the #1 ranking for Education Freedom for the fourth consecutive year affirms a simple principle: education decisions belong to families,” Kamoutsas said. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida will continue honoring parents’ right to choose the best educational option for their child’s individualized needs. I am proud that Florida offers so many educational options that parents can have confidence in.”
Florida’s school choice programs have been a driving force behind the high ranking. Families can select from traditional public schools, charter schools, private institutions, and specialized programs tailored to meet diverse learning needs. This flexibility has allowed parents across the state to find environments that align with their child’s strengths and interests, earning Florida the #1 ranking for Education Choice.
In addition to school choice, Florida’s focus on civic education has contributed to its leadership status. The state mandates that students complete a civics course, and admissions at state universities incorporate the Classical Learning Test, designed to assess students’ understanding of classical education principles. These efforts led Florida to earn the #1 ranking for Civic Education, highlighting the state’s commitment to producing informed and engaged citizens.
Transparency has also been a hallmark of Florida’s education policies. The Parental Bill of Rights and other legislative measures grant parents access to classroom materials and detailed information about their child’s education. This approach ensures that parents are actively involved and informed, resulting in Florida’s #1 ranking for Academic Transparency.
Another factor contributing to the top ranking is teacher freedom. Florida provides alternative pathways for entering the teaching profession, allowing educators more flexibility and encouraging innovation in the classroom. This recognition underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a diverse and talented teaching workforce while ensuring that educational standards remain high.
The Heritage Foundation’s Education Freedom Report Card serves as a national benchmark, evaluating states on the extent to which they empower parents, provide diverse educational options, and maintain accountability and transparency. Florida’s consistent top performance demonstrates the effectiveness of policies aimed at prioritizing family choice, enhancing civic understanding, and supporting teachers.
For families and educators in Florida, the recognition offers reassurance that the state is maintaining a strong focus on empowering parents, encouraging innovation, and providing high-quality education options. The full Education Freedom Report Card is available for review on the Heritage Foundation website, providing detailed insight into Florida’s continued achievements and leadership in the field of K-12 education.
As the state moves forward, officials say they will continue to expand opportunities, support parental rights, and maintain rigorous educational standards, ensuring that Florida remains a model for education freedom across the nation.
