The 2025 EdChoice Yearbook Superlatives

Progress and Innovations in Universal School Choice. Who’s Leading the Way?

Progress in school choice continued to accelerate in 2024, bringing us closer to the vision of universal educational freedom. This year’s superlatives reflect not just the milestones achieved but also a broader reframing of how we evaluate educational choice, inspired by the universal framework introduced in The 2025 ABCs of School Choice.   

In 2024 alone, ten states made significant strides: Alabama launched the CHOOSE Act, a phased-in ESA program that will ultimately offer universal eligibility, while Louisiana followed with the GATOR program, similarly designed for future universality. Georgia, Wyoming, and six other states expanded or introduced new programs, underscoring a nationwide commitment to empowering families with the resources to choose the best educational environment for their children.   

Amid this rapid expansion, however, the question remains: Are we truly providing families with the options they need?   

This year, we’ve embraced a universal framework to help answer that question, focusing on three pillars critical to meaningful school choice:   

• Universal Eligibility: Do all students qualify to participate?   
• Universal Usage: Are funds flexible enough to be used beyond just tuition, meeting the diverse needs of families?   
• Universal Funding: Are programs sustainably and equitably funded to ensure all eligible students are supported?   

This reframing of universality challenges us to think beyond access. True universality means that programs are not only available but also practical, sustainable, and transformative for families. Using this lens, we’ve introduced new categories this year to celebrate states and programs that exemplify these ideals.   

This year’s superlatives highlight how states are advancing educational choice through innovations in funding, flexibility, and accessibility, alongside significant legal and legislative progress. These achievements exemplify the transformative potential of well-designed and resilient school choice programs. What better time to recognize these milestones than at the start of National School Choice Week, a moment to celebrate the remarkable victories and invaluable lessons that continue to shape the path of the educational choice movement. 

We invite you to reflect on these successes, evaluate how your state compares, and consider the work still needed to make school choice truly universal for every child.   

Best Universal Funding 

Winners: Arizona and Florida 

Arizona and Florida stand out for tying ESA payments to their student-weighted funding formulas, which allocate resources based on individual student needs. This equitable funding model ensures that dollars follow the child, providing additional support for disadvantaged students. By basing scholarship amounts on the entitlement amounts in the school funding formulas, both states ensure higher funding levels compared to many other programs. 

“Florida and Arizona differentiate K–12 funding based on student need and tie choice funding to their student-weighted funding formulas, ensuring that dollars follow the child. This arrangement promotes educational opportunities for all families in those states,” said Martin Lueken, Director of EdChoice’s Fiscal Research and Education Center (FREC). “They provide the entitlement, which is an amount based on a mix of state and local dollars, and the distribution follows a need-based formula.” 

Honorable Mention: New Hampshire
New Hampshire earns recognition for its needs-based funding approach. While its funding levels are lower than Arizona and Florida, the state remains a leader in ensuring families have opportunities to access educational choice. 

Best Universal Usage 

Winner: New Hampshire, Utah, and West Virginia. 

Universal usage evaluates programs based on their flexibility in allowing families to utilize funds for diverse educational needs beyond tuition. The category recognizes states that empower families with the most expansive and practical options for using program funds, ensuring that educational choice is not only available but truly adaptable to individual needs.  

All three states’ programs have a wide range of qualifying expenses, but additionally, what sets them apart is the inclusion of provisions allowing for broad discretion for enabling additional allowable expenses not directly listed out. 

Programs that offer broad flexibility ensure families can customize their children’s educational experience. This flexibility is particularly critical for students with special needs or those in areas with limited private school access, as it allows funds to support nontraditional or supplemental resources. 

Best Overall Universal State 

Winner: Florida 

Florida earns recognition as the best overall universal state for its outstanding combination of high participation, equitable funding, and broad program flexibility. As one of only four states to meet all three criteria for true universality—universal eligibility, universal usage, and universal funding—Florida has become a leader in educational choice. Its ESA programs serve more than 400,000 students, achieving an almost 13% EdChoice Share. Florida’s student-weighted funding formula ensures resources are distributed equitably, allowing families to access meaningful educational opportunities tailored to their children’s needs. 

“Florida sets the gold standard for universal educational freedom, leading the nation with over 400,000 students benefiting from innovative ESA programs that prioritize equity, flexibility, and opportunity for all,” said Nathan Sanders, Policy and Advocacy Director.  

Honorable Mentions: 

• West Virginia: Overcame early implementation challenges and is now on a steady path to further success. West Virginia’s ESA program continues to serve thousands of families, and it has hopes to expand. 

• Arizona: Widely regarded as the gold standard for universal choice, Arizona’s ESA program remains the most expansive in the nation. Every K–12 student is eligible, along with pre-K students with disabilities, foster children, Native Americans on reservations, and children of active-duty military personnel. Its funding model ensures students with special needs receive significantly higher amounts, further empowering families to meet unique educational requirements. 

Most Improved 

Winner: Ohio 

Ohio demonstrated extraordinary progress in 2024, with participation in its choice programs increasing by an impressive 108%. More than 129,000 students are now enrolled in Ohio’s EdChoice programs, up from 62,000 the previous year. This surge in participation is a direct result of legislative reforms that expanded eligibility and provided greater funding stability. By doubling participation, Ohio has shown how strategic policy adjustments can dramatically enhance access to educational opportunities. 

“The decision of the Ohio Legislature to expand their Educational Choice Scholarship in 2023 to include all families in the state, has clearly been vindicated by the massive uptake in participation,” said Aaron Gilham, Policy and Advocacy Director. “The importance of programs to be universal in eligibility is made evident by Ohio’s great success of its voucher program.”  

Honorable Mention: North Carolina
North Carolina secured an additional $463 million in funding for its Opportunity Scholarships program, clearing its waiting list of more than 55,000 students and doubling the size of the program. This significant investment ensures that every family seeking assistance can access the resources they need, providing long-term stability and expanded opportunities for thousands of students. 

Most Inspiring Program 

Winner: North Carolina 

North Carolina’s voucher expansion exemplifies political determination and advocacy for families. Despite a gubernatorial veto, the state’s legislators pushed forward to secure significant funding increases, including an additional $463 million that cleared waiting lists and expanded access for families. This commitment to educational freedom demonstrates the power of perseverance and collaborative action in overcoming political challenges to benefit students statewide. 

“North Carolina’s dedication to expanding school choice despite political roadblocks shows the transformative impact of steadfast commitment to families’ educational needs,” said Nathan Sanders, Policy and Advocacy Director. 

Honorable Mention: Louisiana
Louisiana’s CHOICE program is designed with minimal barriers to entry and is set to phase into universal eligibility. This forward-thinking approach reflects the state’s dedication to creating equitable opportunities for families, laying the groundwork for long-term success. 

Biggest Legal Win 

Winner: Montana
Montana secured a significant legal victory for its Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account (ESA) Program. In a case challenging the program’s constitutionality, Judge Mike Menahan of the Montana First Judicial District denied a motion for a preliminary injunction, allowing the program to continue serving students with special needs while litigation proceeds. 

“This ruling is a victory for all Montanans, but especially for students with special needs whose families can use ESAs to pay for education services that best meet their needs,” said Thomas Fisher, Executive Vice President and Director of Litigation at EdChoice Legal Advocates (EdLA). Families like the Grilleys, whose two sons require services not provided by their local public school, can now access resources for a hybrid homeschool program and occupational therapy. 

The case also marks a milestone for EdChoice Legal Advocates, which achieved its first courtroom victory defending families and their right to choose the best educational path for their children. 

Honorable Mention: Alaska 

Alaska enjoyed a partial, yet welcome decision from the Alaska Supreme Court in Alexander v. State of Alaska. In a challenge to Alaska’s correspondence school allotment program, the Superior Court in Anchorage struck down the program in its entirety in April 2024. However, in June 2024, the Alaska Supreme Court reversed that decision, stating that the bulk of the program contains obviously constitutional uses.  

Public district schools play a key operational role in this school choice program and without their involvement in this case, plaintiffs have no case. The Alaska Supreme Court remanded the case back to the Superior Court for further proceedings, if any, including addressing the federal question raised. There has been no action to date. Alaska’s children continue to enjoy the benefits of this program uninterrupted. 

Most Effective Implementation 

Winner: New Hampshire 

New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program stands out for its smooth and efficient implementation.  

“For the second year in a row, New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account Program is the most effectively implemented ESA in America,” said Ed Tarnowski, Policy and Advocacy Director. “Rather than going through a state department or agency, the Granite State administers its ESA through an independent, non-governmental organization, Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF) NH, bypassing unnecessary bureaucracy. Led by Kate Baker Demers, CSF NH prides itself on reviewing each transaction and ensuring quick and close communication with families and vendors.” 

By entrusting program administration to the Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF), an independent organization, New Hampshire has avoided the bureaucratic pitfalls often associated with state-managed programs. This approach ensures flexibility, accountability, and responsiveness to families’ needs, while maintaining rigorous safeguards against misuse of funds. Additionally, open communication and timely payments secure a seamless experience for all stakeholders. 

Most Fiscally Responsible 

Winner: Arizona 

Arizona has been recognized for delivering strong educational outcomes with modest funding while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Despite operating the nation’s third largest ESA program, Arizona has consistently demonstrated that choice programs can be fiscally prudent with minimal fraud.  The state’s emphasis on accountability has kept fraud rates remarkably low, even compared to other public programs like SNAP or unemployment insurance. 

“Arizona’s choice program has given families educational opportunities without breaking the bank.  It’s important to highlight that Arizona ensures taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, and the state is going into 2026 budget planning with a surplus,” said Martin Lueken, Director of EdChoice’s Fiscal Research and Education Center. 

Arizona’s program also supports fiscal sustainability by implementing robust safeguards to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. This approach balances innovation with financial stewardship, making it a model for other states. 

Honorable Mention: Indiana
Indiana ties its funding formula to choice program costs and has demonstrated effective management of its voucher system. By aligning funding with program size and scope, Indiana ensures sustainability while maintaining high levels of program integrity. 

Most Unexpected 

Winner: Alabama 

Emerging as a growing force in school choice. Alabama made an unexpected leap into the universal choice movement by passing the CHOOSE Act in 2024. This phased-in ESA program marks a significant step forward for a state not traditionally seen as a leader in school choice. 

“Alabama’s move toward a universal program was unexpected by many, but it’s an exciting and transformative step forward with great potential,” said Nathan Sanders, Policy and Advocacy Director. 

While there is room for improvement in implementation and funding, Alabama’s bold move to embrace universal eligibility demonstrates a remarkable shift in educational priorities. 

Honorable Mention: Wisconsin
Wisconsin surprised many by increasing funding for its Parental Choice Program, despite opposition from key political figures. This unexpected expansion provides more families with access to educational choice, further solidifying the program’s impact in the state. 

Race to Universal 

Tie for First: Idaho, Texas, Montana, and Tennessee
Idaho, Texas, Tennessee and Montana have made significant strides toward universal school choice, positioning themselves as frontrunners in this movement for 2025. These states have seen legislative advancements, growing public support, and strategic advocacy efforts aimed at broadening educational freedom for all families. Idaho’s ambitious legislative proposals, Texas’ and Tennessee’s strong grassroots support, and Montana’s effective navigation of legal challenges have set them apart as leaders in the race to universal choice. 

Honorable Mentions: 

• South Carolina – navigating their legal setbacks to bring choice back to families. 
• New Hampshire – making the bold move to expand their program to all families. 
• Wyoming – restructuring their program to include all families. 

Additional States to Watch: 

• North Dakota 
• Missouri 
• South Dakota 

To see how the EdChoice team voted last year, visit The 2024 EdChoice Yearbook Superlatives.