September 9, 2025
Governor’s Press Office
850-717-9282
Florida Maintains Top Spot in Education Freedom Rankings
Tallahassee, Fla.– In a significant announcement today, Governor Ron DeSantis revealed that Florida has been ranked first in Education Freedom by the Heritage Foundation for the fourth year running. This achievement has been attributed to the state’s significant advancements in school choice and the reinforcement of parental rights.
Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the state’s dedication to parental involvement in education decisions, stating, “In Florida, we are committed to ensuring parents have the power to make the education decisions that are best for their child.” He highlighted the diverse educational options available in Florida, which have positioned the state as a leader in educational freedom and parental empowerment.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas echoed these sentiments, adding, “Earning the #1 ranking for Education Freedom for the fourth consecutive year affirms a simple principle: education decisions belong to families.” He credited the governor’s leadership for Florida’s continued focus on honoring parents’ rights to select optimal educational paths for their children.
The Education Freedom Report Card, which has been published since 2022, evaluates states using five distinct categories: school choice, transparency, regulatory freedom, civic education, and spending. Florida has consistently secured the highest overall ranking each year since the report card’s inception.
Beyond the overall ranking, Florida also excelled in several specific categories:
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Education Choice
Florida was recognized for empowering parents to select the best learning environments for their children.
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Civic Education
The state mandates civics courses for students and utilizes the Classical Learning Test for state university admissions.
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Academic Transparency
Florida’s legislation promotes parental access to classroom materials, supported by the Parental Bill of Rights.
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Teacher Freedom
Florida offers alternative pathways into the teaching profession, enhancing teacher freedom in the state.
For a detailed view of the rankings, the complete Education Freedom Report Card is available on the Heritage Foundation website.
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