The pro-liberty and freedom American Legislative Exchange Council has released its annual Index of State Education Freedom rankings, giving Florida the top honors and placing Nebraska in dead last.
The conservative state legislators’ policy network’s annual index ranks the 50 states in K-12 education based on five categories: student-centered funding, charter schools, home schools, virtual schools, and open enrollment.
“Our goal is to not only make parents and policymakers aware of the education freedom environment in their state, but to also highlight what changes they can implement to make more learning options available to families,” according to a news release from the group.
For 2026, Florida is the only state to earn an A+ ranking, according to the 95-page report from ALEC. Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, and West Virginia all earned As.
“In addition, Texas climbs 15 spots to #9, and Wyoming climbs 11 spots to #17 after both passed legislation to create universal education freedom programs in their state,” the group stated.
The five states that earned an F are: Connecticut, Maryland, Kentucky, New York and Nebraska.
“Nebraska also experienced a precipitous drop, falling 18 spots to #50 after the Opportunity Scholarship Program was repealed despite providing 5,500 scholarships to the state’s neediest families,” the group stated.
The rankings are based on programs and policies that were signed into law as of June 1, 2025.
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