What’s in Store for Educational Choice in 2025?

Following several momentous years for the educational choice movement, some wonder if that momentum is slowing down. That is unlikely to happen in 2025. In last year’s elections, voters propelled pro-school choice candidates across the finish line and swept many anti-school choice figures out of office. New states are expected to light up the map offering choice to all families, and with a new Congress and President, federal action is also anticipated soon.  

One state is in a unique position to achieve true universal educational choice 

New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) Program makes the Granite State shine in a region otherwise lacking broad access to choice. The program, enacted in 2021, is tied to the state’s education funding formula, guaranteeing funding for all eligible students. It also offers parents a wide range of qualifying expenses. Yet, it is currently limited to participants of a certain income. This year, New Hampshire is in a unique position to achieve true universal educational choice by lifting that eligibility cap, joining Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, and West Virginia. A bill, garnering both House and Senate sponsors, has been introduced to do just that. 

With the state’s pro-school choice coalition expanding their legislative majorities in November and with Gov. Kelly Ayotte endorsing universal choice, this is the strongest opportunity yet for New Hampshire to empower all families with education freedom. 

Several states are likely to enact programs with universal eligibility 

The following states are poised to pass programs offering universal eligibility but may fall short in universal funding and/or usage. To ensure all families can access choice programs and customize their children’s education, these states should pass programs without funding caps that offer a wide range of qualifying educational expenses. 

Texas, which currently offers no form of private school choice, is expected to enact its first ESA program after Gov. Greg Abbott, a champion of the issue, endorsed several Republican primary races last year and successfully unseated many anti-school choice lawmakers. Abbott announced school choice as an emergency item on Sunday and shared his plan to create an ESA with universal eligibility that is funded with a $1 billion appropriation. 

Last week, in Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee’s plan to create a new ESA passed the legislature in a special session. The program will appropriate $141.5 million to fund 20,000 scholarships in the 2025–2026 school year, or about 2% of the state’s student population. If 75% of the available scholarships are used, an additional 5,000 will be available the following year.  

The future of educational choice in Idaho is also looking bright. Legislators are expected to champion a refundable tax credit program with universal eligibility, and Gov. Brad Little endorsed a $50 million appropriation to fund a program. If enacted, the program would allow parents to receive state income tax relief for approved educational expenses. If the credit exceeds the family’s tax burden, the excess amount is refunded to the taxpayer.  

Montana and Wyoming are also both expected to act this year. Both states recently adopted their first private school choice programs and now, both are poised to expand those efforts. In 2023, Montana enacted an education savings account for students with special needs and last year, Wyoming established one for students from low-income families. Montana lawmakers are expected to propose a new ESA with universal eligibility, while Wyoming lawmakers plan to achieve universal eligibility by expanding the state’s existing program. A bill lifting the Wyoming Education Savings Account Program’s income cap passed state’s Senate last month, increasing its funding cap and offering $7,000 per child. 

South Carolina’s ESA program, enacted in 2023 and offering limited eligibility, was dealt a legal blow in 2024 when the state’s supreme court ruled that ESA funds may not be used to fund private school tuition. Attempting to revive and expand the program, state lawmakers are in talks to negotiate a new bill with the goal of returning tuition as an allowable expense and expanding eligibility to all students. What is to come out of negotiations and the legal implications of a theoretical bill remain unclear. 

Other states to watch 

Both North Dakota and South Dakota are also expected to make a push for a form of private school choice this year. In both states, it is less clear what these proposals may look like, but lawmakers are eager to catch up to the educational choice progress seen particularly in red-leaning states. 

On his way out of office, former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum proposed an ESA with universal eligibility after previously vetoing a limited voucher program he said fell “short.” Newly elected Gov. Kelly Armstrong also signaled his support for establishing an ESA, but left eligibility unclear. Four bills establishing an ESA have been introduced so far, two of which offer universal eligibility, but it remains unclear which legislation will gain traction. South Dakota lawmakers are also expected to make a school choice push this year, but details remain murky. 

With Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announcing his support for $50 million in public funding for the state’s existing tax-credit ESA program in his State of the State Address, the Show-Me State is also worth watching in 2025. This is welcome news, but appetite for a broad expansion remains hazy. 

The most serious effort for a federal educational choice bill we’ve seen 

While school choice remains a state issue, the push for a federal educational choice program is gaining momentum in the 119th Congress. The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) would create a federal tax-credit scholarship program, offering donors a tax credit against their federal tax liability for donations made toward scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). SGOs distribute scholarship funds for families to spend on K–12 education expenses including private school tuition, curriculum, books/instructional materials, online education materials, tutoring, testing fees, higher education dual enrollment, and educational therapies. The bill is receiving significant support in Congress and President Trump has indicated he would sign it if it reaches his desk. 

With many states pushing a form of school choice for all students this year, others looking to take the first step, and momentum for a federal bill picking up, education freedom’s momentum is far from over. The great awakening coming out of the pandemic is no fluke, with parents unwavering in their mission to advance education freedom. Regardless of zip code, income, or background, all families deserve access to an education setting best fit for their needs. America has a historic opportunity to realize that vision in 2025.