Introduction
As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, we find ourselves reflecting on the distinct virtues that have sustained our Republic for the past 250 years. There is perhaps no policy area where the spirit of 1776 is more vibrant or necessary than education. Just as the founders sought to liberate the colonies from distant, centralized control, the education freedom movement is doing the same by returning authority to parents and allowing them to choose the best school suited to their child’s needs.
The 2026 Index of State Education Freedom ranks each of the 50 states based on how well they provide different educational options to families. There are five categories that each state is assessed in: student-centered funding, charter schools, home schools, virtual schools, and open enrollment. Our goal is to not only make parents and policymakers aware of the education freedom environment in their state, but to also highlight what changes they can implement to make more learning options available to families.
For the third time in a row, Florida earns the #1 spot in the rankings and is the only state to earn an A+ overall grade. In addition, Texas climbs 15 spots to #9, and Wyoming climbs 11 spots to #17 after both passed legislation to create universal education freedom programs in their state.
But this year’s rankings also show that there is much work to be done. Louisiana falls 24 spots to #33 after the legislature failed to provide funding for the LA GATOR Scholarship program. Nebraska also experienced a precipitous drop, falling 18 spots to #50 after the Opportunity Scholarship Program was repealed despite providing 5,500 scholarships to the state’s neediest families.
Throughout the year, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we must remain committed to the idea that education, no matter its form, is an inherent right for all children throughout the country.