Education Freedom Movement Shifts Focus to Marketplace Quality After Universal Eligibility Gains
Table of Contents
With universal eligibility for school choice programs now becoming the norm, the focus is shifting toward creating a robust and equitable education marketplace where all families can access a wider range of options and guaranteed funding.
2025 marked a watershed moment for school choice, as programs offering universal eligibility became increasingly widespread. Now, as 2026 approaches, the education freedom movement is recalibrating its strategy, moving beyond simply expanding access to improving the quality and accessibility of existing programs. The goal: a truly free marketplace of education where every family can secure a funded seat for the learning environment that best suits their child’s needs.
States Push for Universal Access and Expanded Funding
Legislative efforts are already underway in several states to build on recent gains. Mississippi is currently considering House Bill 2 (HB 2), passed by the House in January, which would establish a universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program. The proposed program would phase in 2,500 new seats annually, with a perpetual waitlist for additional applicants. If enacted, the ESA would offer tiered scholarships: approximately $6,700 for students attending approved private schools, $2,000 for those attending schools awaiting approval (with a $4,000 household cap), and $1,000 for homeschool students. Funding for the program would be linked to the state’s existing education funding formula. However, the bill’s future in the Senate remains uncertain.
South Carolina is also advancing the cause of school choice. Governor Henry McMaster is advocating for a $61.4 million increase to the state’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund, adding 5,000 scholarships and raising individual award amounts from $7,500 to $7,634.
The Pursuit of “True Universality”
While 19 states now offer school choice programs with universal eligibility, only five – Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, New Hampshire, and West Virginia – have achieved what advocates call “true universality.” An additional eight states – Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, and West Virginia – currently guarantee funding for all eligible students.
“While there remains a strong short-term opportunity for several new states to join those offering universal eligibility, if states are to achieve a dynamic marketplace of education, much of the education freedom movement’s energy must now turn toward realizing true universal choice and against moving backward,” one analyst noted.
Iowa, nearing the end of its three-year phase-in to universal eligibility, is actively exploring ways to broaden the permissible uses of ESA funds. Currently a “tuition-first” program, it doesn’t fully align with EdChoice’s “universal options” standard. Lawmakers are considering removing this restriction and expanding the list of qualifying educational expenses.
Safeguarding Education Freedom: Protecting Existing Options
The movement to expand school choice isn’t solely focused on growth; it also involves defending existing programs against restrictions. Last year, some states rolled back parental flexibility in ESA spending. Arkansas and Utah, previously lauded for offering broad discretion in how funds could be used, moved to limit options.
“Education freedom, by design, is meant to put families in the driver’s seat, empowering them to access an education best fit for their needs,” a senior official stated. “As state restrictions grow, options shrink, and with it, the competitive effects resulting from a vibrant education marketplace.”
Federal Tax Credit Gains Momentum
Over 20 states have signaled their intention to participate in the Federal Tax Credit for Scholarships, which allows taxpayers to claim a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $1,700 ($3,400 for joint filers) for contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs).
Colorado Governor Jared Polis became the first Democratic governor to opt into the program, a development closely watched by advocates in other states. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has previously expressed support for ESAs targeted toward low-income and special needs students, is also under scrutiny. Virginia’s participation remains uncertain following a change in governorship; former Governor Glenn Youngkin opted the state into the program, but current Governor Abigail Spanberger’s stance and legal ability to reverse the decision are being closely monitored.
The education freedom movement has made significant strides, expanding access to educational options for more families than ever before. However, the work is far from complete. The next frontier lies in building a robust, free marketplace of education that truly empowers all families – one that prioritizes not just eligibility, but also broadened scholarship usage and guaranteed funding for every student who seeks it.
