State makes most significant jump in the country on scorecard evaluating education choice, teacher freedom, academic transparency, and the return on investment for education spending
Louisiana ranks fourth in the nation for its support of education freedom. The state saw the most significant jump in the country on the Education Freedom Report Card, produced annually by the Heritage Foundation. The report card evaluates states based on numerous education criteria, ranking them on their support for education freedom. Categories include education choice, teacher freedom, academic transparency, and the return on investment for education spending.
“Expanding education freedom is a priority in Louisiana, and I’m glad to see our progress recognized nationally” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I want to thank Governor Landry, the legislature, and BESE for their shared commitment to provide all families with quality school choice options.”
Louisiana made the nation’s most significant leap in overall education freedom this year, moving from No. 18 to No. 4. When compared to 2023, Louisiana grew overall and in three of the four categories.
The state jumped to No. 8 in education choice, up 17 spots from 2023. The report noted Louisiana’s creation of the state’s first education scholarship account, LA GATOR, as an expansion of already robust school choice options for families.
“Louisiana does exceptionally well in empowering families to choose among private, charter, and district schools,” the report card noted about Louisiana’s education choice ranking. “Additionally, Louisiana generally respects the autonomy of homeschooling families.”
Louisiana ranks No. 6 for return on investment, a seven spot improvement from 2023. This indicator looks at factors such as per-pupil spending compared to academic outcomes.
In other individual categories, Louisiana ranks No. 7 for teacher freedom and No. 14 for transparency, which is up 12 spots from 2023.