(The Center Square) — Louisiana has emerged as a national leader in education freedom, jumping to fourth place in the latest Education Freedom Report Card produced by the Heritage Foundation.
The Pelican State made the most significant leap in the country, advancing from 18th place in 2023 to its current position, thanks to notable improvements in school choice, teacher freedom, and academic transparency, alongside a high return on investment in education spending.
“Expanding education freedom is a priority in Louisiana, and I’m glad to see our progress recognized nationally,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley in a statement released by the Department of Education.
Brumley also expressed his support for parental rights in education, stating in a 2022 letter to the parental rights group Moms For Liberty, “Children belong to their parents, not the government. Further, the parent is the child’s first —and foremost — teacher.”
Louisiana’s rise in the rankings was largely driven by its advancements in school choice. The report pointed to the creation of the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity education scholarship account program as a key factor in the state’s improvement, boosting Louisiana to eighth place in the school choice category.
The report also praised Louisiana for offering families a diverse range of options, including private, charter, and district schools, while maintaining respect for homeschooling autonomy.
“Proud to see Louisiana move from #18 to #4 in the nation on the Heritage Foundation educational freedom report card,” Gov. Jeff Landry said in a post on X. “Here’s to a brighter future for Louisiana’s classrooms!”