- March 23, 2026
Across Florida, a quiet revolution in education is underway. Families are no longer confined to a one-size-fits-all system. Instead, parents are empowered to choose the educational path that best serves their children, and the results are increasingly clear: school choice is working.
For decades, education policy debates centered on systems and institutions. Today, Florida has shifted the focus where it belongs — on students and families. By expanding scholarships, supporting charter schools, and ensuring that funding follows the child, our state has created one of the most dynamic and parent-driven education environments in the nation.
Educational freedom is not an abstract concept. It means a parent can decide whether their child thrives best in a neighborhood public school, a public charter school, a private school, a classical academy, a career-focused program, or a homeschool setting. It recognizes that children learn differently and that parents — not bureaucracies — are best positioned to make those decisions.
Florida now stands as a national leader in school choice. The state has hundreds of charter schools serving diverse communities, offering specialized programs in everything from STEM to the arts to classical education. Compared to many states where charter growth has stalled or faced political resistance, Florida continues to expand options, reflecting strong demand from families.
Just as importantly, Florida’s policy that funding follows the student has fundamentally reshaped incentives. Schools must compete to attract and serve families well. When parents have the ability to choose, schools respond with innovation, improved instruction, and greater accountability. This dynamic benefits not only students who exercise choice but also those who remain in traditional public schools, as the entire system becomes more responsive.
Parental rights are central to this transformation. In recent years, Florida has affirmed that parents should have transparency into curriculum, a voice in their children’s upbringing, and meaningful authority over educational decisions. These principles strengthen trust between families and schools and reinforce the idea that education is a partnership.
Critics sometimes argue that choice undermines public education. In reality, it strengthens it by aligning resources with student needs and encouraging continuous improvement. The goal is not to weaken schools but to ensure that every child — regardless of background — has access to an environment where they can succeed.
Many families may not realize how accessible Florida’s education scholarships and education savings accounts have become. Through programs administered by organizations like Step Up For Students, eligible families can receive scholarships that allow public education funding to follow their child into the learning setting of their choice.
Parents can use these funds for private school tuition, curriculum materials, tutoring, educational therapies, online courses, testing fees, transportation, and other approved educational expenses. Families who homeschool or use hybrid learning models can customize their child’s education in ways that were unimaginable just a generation ago.
The process typically begins with applying through the Step Up For Students portal, where families can determine eligibility and select the scholarship program that fits their needs. Once approved, parents can direct funds toward approved providers, giving them flexibility while maintaining accountability.
For families in Volusia County and across Florida, these programs represent more than financial assistance. They represent trust — trust that parents will make wise decisions for their children and that education should adapt to students, not the other way around.
Florida’s commitment to school choice reflects a broader belief that opportunity should not be limited by ZIP code. By empowering families, encouraging innovation, and putting students first, our state is building an education system worthy of the next generation.
Editor's note: Duncan DeMarsh previously served as the vice chairman of the Volusia County Republican Party and a legislative aide. He is currently deployed with the Florida Army National Guard.
