When the first National School Choice Week took place in 2011, the idea of allowing students to attend the school that best meets their needs was virtually nonexistent. Fast forward to the 15th Annual National School Choice Week in 2026, and education in the United States is undergoing significant transformation. Currently, 17 states have implemented programs that support this concept, benefiting millions of students nationwide.
To mark this progress, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has released its 2026 Index of State Education Freedom. Now in its third edition, this index serves as a key measure of educational policies aimed at enhancing student-centered funding, charter schools, homeschooling, virtual schools, and open enrollment. For the third consecutive year, Florida holds the top spot in the rankings, achieving an overall grade of A+. This distinction highlights Florida’s commitment to empowering parents to select the best educational options for their children, fostering a competitive educational marketplace.
Texas and Other States See Notable Gains
The landscape of education freedom is shifting, with Texas emerging as a formidable competitor. In 2025, Texas enacted the largest universal education freedom account (EFA) program in the nation, propelling the state up 15 positions to rank ninth overall in ALEC’s Index. Governor Greg Abbott prioritized the establishment of this program, demonstrating strong support for families and students.
Other states have also made notable strides. Idaho moved up eight spots to secure the 10th position after introducing a universal refundable tax credit program. Meanwhile, Wyoming climbed 11 spots to achieve 17th place with its new Steamboat Legacy Scholarship program, an EFA initiative available to all students in the state.
Conversely, some states have experienced setbacks. Louisiana, once a top contender, fell 24 spots to 33rd place due to insufficient funding for the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) scholarship program. This has significantly impacted the state’s education freedom score, as funding has only been adequate to transition existing students rather than expand opportunities for new enrollees.
Similarly, Nebraska faced a significant decline, dropping 18 spots to finish last at number fifty. Despite the passage of the Opportunity Scholarship Program in 2023, which allowed 5,500 students to access schools better suited to their needs, a misinformation campaign led by national teachers’ unions resulted in the program being repealed by voters. Nebraska’s lack of charter school laws and virtual school options, combined with strict regulations on homeschooling, paints a concerning picture for educational choice in the state.
Legislative Trends Favoring Education Choices
Despite setbacks in states like Louisiana and Nebraska, many policymakers continue to advocate for expanded educational options. Lawmakers in states such as Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, and West Virginia are increasingly recognizing that parents are best equipped to meet their children’s educational needs.
As the legislative sessions for 2026 commence, the message from both voters and elected officials is clear: the traditional model of public schooling is evolving. Parents are asserting their constitutional right to play a central role in their children’s education. The movement for educational choice is gaining momentum, and ALEC looks forward to seeing how this year unfolds for families seeking diverse educational options.
Andrew Handel, Director of the Education and Workforce Development Task Force at ALEC, emphasizes the importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to education. As states continue to prioritize a variety of learning options, the future of education freedom in the United States appears promising.
