States with school choice: A comprehensive guide to education freedom in 2025

Jun 27, 2025 by AFP

The old one-size-fits-all model is being replaced — one state at a time.

The traditional American K-12 education model is failing kids by not preparing them to leverage their unique gifts and contribute to society.

And with over 80% of Americans supporting school choice, the path forward is clear: Families deserve the power to choose the best education for their kids.

New Hampshire expands education freedom.

In 2025, New Hampshire passed Senate Bill 295, expanding its Education Freedom Accounts to every K-12 student.

Key highlights:

Every family in the Granite State will have the option to use the state’s education savings accounts program for private tuition and/or access to other educational experiences.
Eligibility is guaranteed for students in families below the federal poverty level, students with disabilities, and siblings of current ESA participants.

“Now, thanks to our state leaders, parents have the opportunity to access the education that will be the best fit for their children’s unique needs.” — Sarah Scott, AFP-New Hampshire deputy state director

And momentum for education freedom continues to build across the country — growing in states like Mississippi, Montana, and South Dakota.

Americans for Prosperity’s grassroots teams have been instrumental, helping pass over 60 education freedom reforms in 25 states just last year.

That’s why AFP is proud to champion the movement toward school choice — giving families the freedom and funding to select the best educational path for their children.

School choice puts families in the driver’s seat — tailoring education to each student’s unique learning needs.

In 2025, we’re witnessing a significant transformation across America’s education landscape. Here’s your updated guide to the leading states with school choice and how millions of families are benefitting.

2025: A breakthrough year for school choice

By the start of 2025, 12 states had enacted universal school choice programs — including ESAs — giving nearly all K-12 students in those states access to public funds for private education options.

And so far in 2025:

The percentage of American students who have access to school choice programs such as ESAs, vouchers, or tax credits is nearing 50%.
18 states have passed 22 pro-school choice bills, expanding access to nearly 9.3 million more students.
States like New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have passed universal ESA programs that allow parents to fully customize their child’s learning.

6 states leading the way in school choice

Here’s a quick look at which states are leading the charge for school choice:

1. Florida continues to be a pioneer with universal eligibility for ESAs, offering flexible funding for tuition, tutoring, and online learning tools.
2. Idaho passed a first-of-its-kind parental tax credit program offering up to $5,000 for education expenses, with added funds for students with disabilities.
3. North Carolina expanded its Opportunity Scholarship to all K-12 students in 2023, impacting 1.4 million students and lifting income restrictions.
4. Oklahoma created the nation’s largest refundable tax credit program for school choice, giving families unprecedented flexibility in 2024.
5. Tennessee launched the Education Freedom Act of 2025, starting with 20,000 ESA scholarships, prioritizing low-income students and students with disabilities.
6. Texas passed a universal ESA program in 2025, with $10,000 allocated per student. This historic legislation allows parents to fully control their education spending.