Education Freedom for America’s Next 250 Years

Editor’s note: This is one installment in a One Small Step series exploring how our founding principles apply to policy change movements. See the series introduction and full collection here. 

In 2026, America celebrates its 250th anniversary – a milestone that allows us to reflect on our past and plan for the future. Our nation was founded on the radical belief that every person possesses inherent dignity and the right to pursue opportunity. These principles shaped America into the greatest country in history. But as we look toward the next 250 years, one truth is increasingly clear: our education system no longer reflects those founding ideals. 

Americans have long been known for our innovation and willingness to push boundaries. But what happens when you stifle an American’s right to pursue their dream? This is the problem with our current education system. The one-size-fits-all approach has long failed our students, which is evident when looking at recent performance levels across the country. For example, in 2024, 70% of eighth grade students in public schools were not proficient in reading according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Worse, the average reading score declined two points from 2022, and five points compared to 2019. 

One thing is clear – If we want the American Dream to remain within reach for every child, we must extend the promise of education freedom.  

Education freedom is the ability to choose the educational option that best meets a student’s unique needs, which allows them to discover, develop, and deploy their talents rather than being left behind in a standardized system. Programs like education tax credits, education scholarship accounts (ESAs), and expanded public school choice through open enrollment policies allow families the freedom to choose rather than forcing them into a zip-code assigned school that may not allow their child to thrive. When we respect families’ ability to make decisions, we affirm the dignity of each student and recognize that parents, not bureaucracies, know what is best for their child’s education. 

In addition to meeting a child’s unique needs, education freedom also removes government barriers that limit innovation and entrepreneurship within educational systems. When families can choose, educators are empowered to create new models – microschools, hybrid schools, STEM academies, classical programs, homeschool co-ops, and more. The result is an explosion of creativity and new options for families to discover.  

A great example of this is Florida. According to an EdChoice report, in 2001-2002, 86% of students in Florida attended a traditional public school. In 2024, that number was at a shocking 51% – meaning nearly half of all students in Florida attend some type of school choice program. This proves that allowing the education market to innovate and giving parents the opportunity to choose creates a flourishing environment for all students. 

Looking Forward to America’s Next 250 Years 

Across the country, parents and families are demanding more options for their children. That is why education freedom reforms have gained such momentum over the last several years and continue to grow. States adopting tax-credit scholarships, ESAs, and broad school-choice reforms like open enrollment are seeing families empowered, students re-engaged, and communities strengthened. 

The founders envisioned a nation where individuals could flourish according to their own talents and aspirations. Today, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to extend that promise to every student. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, let’s commit to building an education system worthy of the next 250 years—one that empowers families, respects students, and unleashes the potential of every child. 

Lindsey Sanders is an Education Policy Analyst at Americans for Prosperity.