National School Choice Week: A Transformative Journey
Back in 2011, when the inaugural National School Choice Week took place, the idea of a program allowing every child in a state to select the school that suited them best was just a concept. Fast forward to the impending 15th celebration of National School Choice Week in 2026, and it’s evident that America’s educational landscape is evolving rapidly. Presently, 17 states have implemented such programs, benefitting millions of students nationwide.
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) highlights this shift through its 2026 National Educational Freedom indicators. Now in its third iteration, this index has emerged as a significant measure of educational freedom across states, ranking them according to policies that champion student-centered funding, charter schools, homeschooling, virtual schooling, and open enrollment.
Florida has claimed the top position in the 2026 rankings for the third consecutive year, standing out as the only state to maintain an overall A+ rating. The Sunshine State has not just ensured access to educational funding; it has fostered a diverse educational market where parents can select the best fit for their children. In Florida, various learning options compete fairly, allowing parents—rather than the government—to dictate their children’s educational success.
However, Florida is beginning to encounter stiff competition, particularly from Texas. The Lone Star State made headlines with the introduction of the nation’s largest Universal Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, catapulting it 15 spots up ALEC’s rankings to ninth overall. Governor Greg Abbott prioritized the establishment of this program, consistently advocating for families and students.
Idaho also experienced a significant improvement, moving up eight spots to 10th place thanks to its universal refundable tax credit program. Wyoming, with its new Steamboat Legacy Scholarship program, climbed 11 spots to 17th, making educational freedom more accessible to all students in the state.
On the flip side, some states have seen their rankings decline markedly this year. Louisiana dropped 24 spots from the top 10 to 33rd overall. The Louisiana Legislature has struggled to allocate adequate funds for the LA GATOR scholarship program, diminishing its educational freedom score. Consequently, new students can’t enroll in this program since funding only allows transfers from the Student Scholarship for Academic Excellence program.
Nebraska faced an even steeper fall, plummeting 18 places to finish last at 50th. Although the Opportunity Scholarship Program was passed in 2023 to assist 5,500 students, a large-scale misinformation campaign initiated by the National Teachers Union led voters to eliminate the program, forcing families back into ineffective educational environments.
It’s puzzling how Nebraska stands out for its opposition to families and students. This state is one of only three in the nation without a charter school law or virtual education options, and it imposes significant hurdles for families wishing to homeschool. The educational climate in Nebraska seems quite bleak.
In contrast to the developments in Louisiana and Nebraska, many state lawmakers are choosing to broaden the educational horizons available to their constituents. States like Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, and West Virginia are acknowledging that parents, not bureaucrats, understand what their children need. They recognize that a “one-size-fits-all” education system simply doesn’t work. Instead, prioritizing diverse options is essential to provide every student with an equal opportunity to thrive.
As Congress enters 2026, the sentiment from voters and policymakers is unmistakable. The era of public school monopoly is waning. Parents are stepping up to take primary responsibility for their children’s education, and a significant shift is underway. ALEC looks forward to the year ahead and the choices it will bring for families seeking better educational options.
