By: Andrew Handel
More families than ever before are free to choose the best school for their kids. With National School Choice Week kicking off around the country, the excitement and enthusiasm from these parents and their students is breathtaking. Each year, National School Choice Week brings together parents, educators, lawmakers, and others to highlight the importance of providing students with access to diverse and high-quality educational opportunities. By giving families access to the best private schools, charter schools, virtual schools, and more, education freedom is transforming lives and reshaping education nationwide.
This year’s National School Choice Week coincides with the release of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) 2025 Index of State Education Freedom. The Index, published annually and now on its second edition, provides a comprehensive analysis of how each state ranks in terms of funding following students, charter schools, home schools, virtual schools, and open enrollment. The Index serves as a valuable resource for families and policymakers who might be curious about their states educational offerings and, more importantly, how they can improve it. States leading the way, such as Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and West Virginia, continue to set the standard for education freedom, while others are making significant strides in implementing policies that prioritize students over systems.
The past few years have been transformative for our approach to education in America. The COVID-19 pandemic shined a bright light on the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach to education, with parents directly exposed to the education their children were receiving from public school. The resulting momentum led lawmakers in West Virginia and Arizona to enact the first universal Education Freedom Account (EFA) programs, providing every family with the ability to customize and choose their child’s education. Today, a dozen different states now have a universal education freedom program – a testament to the strength and success of this movement.
The momentum hasn’t stopped yet. In fact, Governor Bill Lee has called a special session of the Tennessee legislature this week to address, among other things, education freedom in the state. It’s no coincidence that the special session was called right alongside National School Choice Week, sending a clear message from the Governor’s office that this is a top priority. In addition to Tennessee, lawmakers in Idaho, South Dakota, South Carolina, Wyoming, Texas, and elsewhere are looking to advance legislation that will create universal programs in their states.
National School Choice Week not only reminds us of the success that the education freedom movement has had over the past few years, but it reminds us that every student in America should have these benefits. One child stuck in a school that simply doesn’t work well for them is too many. This is why ALEC is leading the Education Freedom Alliance, a network of state and national partners who are all dedicated to universal education freedom in all 50 states.
As we reflect on these important achievements for families, it’s clear that the collective efforts of parents, educators, and policymakers are having a profound impact. The push towards for education freedom ensures that children across the nation can thrive in environments built for their specific needs, thus paving the way for a brighter future for all.