In 2024, numerous states across the U.S. witnessed the expansion and implementation of school choice programs, setting the stage for exciting new education possibilities for families in the year ahead. The 2024 election outcomes paved the way for a fresh wave of educational options in 2025, generating enthusiasm among advocates of school choice.
According to EdChoice, a nonprofit organization committed to broadening school choice alternatives, five states introduced new school choice initiatives, while six states expanded existing programs in the previous year. As anticipation builds for 2025, states like Texas are poised to introduce novel programs as a result of victories by school-choice proponents in legislative elections.
Ed Tarnowski, Policy and Advocacy Director at EdChoice, highlighted the developments in 2024, noting that five states established new school choice programs and six states enhanced their current offerings. Tarnowski elaborated on the specifics of these endeavors, citing examples such as Alabama and Louisiana which implemented programs with universal eligibility. Georgia passed a new Education Savings Account (ESA) program with limited eligibility criteria, signaling the diversity of approaches taken by different states in promoting educational choice.
In a bittersweet turn of events, Nebraska’s new school choice program faced a setback when it was overturned by a ballot measure in November, rendering it inactive. Conversely, Wyoming successfully introduced its inaugural ESA program in 2024, expanding the landscape of educational opportunities for students in the state.
Significant expansions were also observed in states like Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and North Carolina. Tarnowski underscored Utah’s substantial progress, highlighting the state’s decision to double the program’s funding, thereby increasing the number of eligible students twofold. Notably, North Carolina’s legislative branch exhibited its support for school choice by overriding the governor’s veto on legislation aimed at expanding the existing program.
The discourse surrounding school choice resonated prominently in New Hampshire during the recent election cycle. With Republicans championing universal school choice as a central tenet of their platform, the state witnessed a surge in support for expanding educational options. Incumbent officials who endorsed school choice initiatives secured re-election, while incoming legislators campaigned on promises of furthering the cause.
New Hampshire stands on the cusp of achieving comprehensive universal choice, buoyed by the existing assurance of funding for every student. This puts the state on track to join the ranks of the five jurisdictions offering truly universal school choice, as outlined by Tarnowski.
Looking ahead, Tarnowski ventured into the prospects for 2025, highlighting Texas as a potential trailblazer in the realm of school choice. With candidates endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott prevailing in elections, Texas is poised to implement a universal school choice program in the coming year. The absence of a private school choice program in Texas thus far underscores the significance of this potential development in expanding educational access for students across the state.
Further anticipations in the school choice landscape revolve around upcoming measures in states like Tennessee, Idaho, North Dakota
