Florida sits atop the rest of America when it comes to education freedom, according to a new survey.
The conservative Heritage Foundation ranked the Sunshine State No. 1 in its Education Freedom Report Card, which judges states on four categories: Education Choice, Teacher Freedom, Transparency, and Return on Investment.
Heritage’s grades are based on 24 metrics within those four categories.
Florida ranked No. 1 overall and was second to Arizona in education choice and to Mississippi in teacher freedom. Florida ranked fifth in return on investment.
Related: Florida Ranks Number One For Education Freedom – ALEC Index of State Education Freedom
It was the second consecutive year Florida topped Heritage’s rankings.
“Florida lawmakers have once again expanded education freedom and promoted parents’ rights while creating a laudable return on investment for taxpayers,” Heritage explained in its report.
In a press release, Gov. Ron DeSantis welcomed the recognition.
“By providing universal school choice, parental rights in education, and curriculum transparency, we have ensured that parents are able to fully direct the upbringing of their children,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Thank you to the Heritage Foundation for recognizing the importance of education freedom.”
State Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. added in his own statement, “We are proud to once again receive the number one ranking for education freedom from the Heritage Foundation.”
“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to prioritize school choice and transparency within our education system, benefiting both our students and parents.”
Related: Federal Judge Rejects Challenge To Florida Trans Athlete Law
According to the survey, blue states dominated the bottom of the rankings.
For instance, the bottom five (from highest to lowest) included Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Oregon.
“Heritage’s goal is that this annual ranking of states not only inform parents and policymakers of what their states do well and where they need improvement, but to inspire changes that give all students the chance to succeed in school and in life,” the group said of its annual report.
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