Georgia ranks 14th on new school choice index—but that’s not a win yet

by David Bass | May 15, 2025

Georgia's school choice ranking reveals opportunities to do more to help families.

Georgia ranks 14th on new school choice index—but that’s not a win yet

When it comes to providing educational opportunities for families, Georgia ranks 14th out of 50 on a new 50-state index measuring families’ access to school choice nationwide.

At first glance, that doesn’t seem like such a bad position, but when you dig deeper, the picture becomes less flattering. Georgia is still lagging behind and we have our work cut out for us to ensure that every family has access to a great education.

Where Does Georgia Stand?

Georgia scored four out of a possible 100 on the EdChoice Friedman Index, which weighs three major factors:

Access to School Choice: Only 15% of Georgia’s K-12 students are eligible for school choice programs, far below what it takes to establish broad, equitable access.

Flexibility in Educational Funding: While Georgia has made strides through its Promise Scholarship Program (an education savings account or “ESA”), current funding systems and program designs limit how well families can use educational funds to meet their unique needs.

Funding Parity: Choice students in Georgia receive just 45% of the funding allocated to their public school peers. For example, public school students receive $13,810 per pupil, while choice students average $6,264 in funding.

These metrics paint a clear picture of why Georgia’s score is so low. More significantly, it’s a reminder of the limitations facing families who are seeking to access the best education for their children.

Georgia scores 4 out of 10 on EdChoice's Friedman Index on school choice

Image Credit: EdChoice, 2025 Friedman Index

Georgia’s Neighbor to the South Earns the Top Score

To notch a perfect score of 100, states must have several policies in place. First, universal school choice is a must. That means all students, regardless of income or zip code, have access to a great education.

A second requirement is that all educational funds allocated to students must be fully usable for any educational expenses—anything from tuition to textbooks to needed therapies or tutoring.

Lastly, funding per choice student must be equal to the amount provided to public school students.

So far, no state has achieved these standards, but Florida has come the closest with a score of 77 out of 100. Florida allows for all students to access school choice and receive 77% of the funding that public school students receive. Additionally, all students may use these funds flexibly.

Closing in on Florida are Arkansas (60), as well as Alabama and Arizona (each scoring 59).

While these states are leading the way, the Friedman Index is a reminder that the majority of the country still has a long way to go on education choice and opportunity. The idea of a “school choice” revolution has sparked widespread conversation, but in reality, even higher-ranking states like Georgia have only begun to tap into the full potential of school choice and its benefits for families and communities.

Educational Opportunity Matters Most for Georgia’s Low-Income Communities

The limitations of Georgia’s school choice programs disproportionately affect children from low-income communities. For these families, access to the right education isn’t just a luxury—it’s a pathway to life-changing opportunities, such as improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, and better chances of long-term employment and financial stability.

Data consistently shows that providing families with education options leads to better outcomes for kids. For example, numerous studies indicate that students in choice programs are more likely to become proficient in core subjects like reading and math, areas that often determine future academic and career success.

One recent leap forward is the Georgia Promise Scholarship, a state-funded initiative designed to give families financial support to choose the best learning environment for their child. The program opens to families this year, providing scholarships of $6,500 a year that families can use for private school tuition, tutoring, special needs programs, homeschooling, or other customized options outside the traditional public school system.

While this program is an encouraging start, it’s not enough to rank Georgia among the nation’s top states for school choice. Currently, too few students have access to the program, and funding levels fall short of what’s needed to enable meaningful choice for all families.

The Friedman Index Gives Georgia a Roadmap, Not Just a Score

The factors that make up the Friedman Index give Georgia lawmakers clear steps to increasing education opportunity for all students:

Expand Access to School Choice: Every family throughout Georgia should have access to educational opportunities that meet their child’s needs, regardless of income or location. This includes significantly increasing the percentage of students eligible for choice programs, particularly the Georgia Promise Scholarship.

Increase Funding for Choice Students: Georgia must make substantial investments to bring funding for choice students closer to parity with public school funding. Providing families with adequate resources will make educational choice a real possibility—not just an option in name only.

Focus on Students, Not Systems: It’s time for Georgia to reframe its education policies around the needs of students. Our goal shouldn’t be to improve Georgia’s ranking on an index, but to provide real hope and opportunity for the students who need it the most.

Image Credits: Canva, EdChoice

From classrooms to careers: Georgia laws that passed (and didn’t) in 2025

by David Bass | May 6, 2025

Georgia lawmakers passed bills affecting schooling, work, and family opportunities in 2025.

From classrooms to careers: Georgia laws that passed (and didn’t) in 2025

Georgia lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session with some big decisions that affect our state’s families, students, and workers.

Several new laws were passed to improve education, job opportunities, and access to childcare — while a few important changes didn’t quite make it through.

“The 2025 session included some key victories to improve public school classrooms, expand school choice options, and improve workforce opportunities,” said Buzz Brockway, vice president of policy for GCO. “While there were some disappointments on bills that didn’t make it across the finish line, we are pleased with the progress lawmakers made this year in promoting an agenda to allow all Georgians to flourish.”

What Passed: New Georgia Laws in 2025

These bills passed out of both the House of Representatives and the Senate and are headed to the governor for signing.

House Bill 340: Less phone distraction, more student engagement

K-8 classrooms now face stricter limits on student cell phone use during school hours. The goal of this policy is to cut down on distractions and help kids stay engaged in the classroom.

Senate Bill 82: More support for charter schools

With this legislation, local boards of education must reconsider denied charter petitions and provide detailed explanations for their decisions. To incentivize approvals, schools receiving charters are eligible for grants of $250,000 a year for three years to help them get started.

House Bill 307 and Senate Bill 93: Helping kids read better

Two bills aimed to boost reading skills among Georgia students. HB 307 updates dyslexia screening and interventions and improves statewide coordination to help at-risk students earlier. SB 93 makes sure future teachers are trained in proven methods to teach reading. State-approved educator preparation programs must align their core curricula with the science of reading—a move that aims to enhance literacy instruction by prioritizing evidence-based methods.

House Bill 136: Bigger tax break for child care

Families can now get a larger credit on their state taxes (up to 40% of the federal tax credit) for expenses related to child and dependent care. By allowing Georgia families to subtract more child care expenses from their annual taxes, this measure eases the financial burden on working families across the states.

House Bill 579: Simplifying licensing for businesses and trades

HB 579 makes it simpler and faster to get professional, business, or trade licenses in Georgia, reducing paperwork, red tape, and other barriers getting in the way of people looking for steady work.

Senate Bill 63: Free college prep tests for homeschoolers

SB 63 mandates that homeschool students in Georgia must have free access to take AP, SAT, and PSAT exams at their local public schools. Improving access to testing for all students helps level the playing field for college readiness.

What Didn’t Pass (But Could Still Come Back)

Despite these successes, some significant bills were left on the table when the legislative session abruptly adjourned early.

Senate Bill 207: Second chance for job-seekers with a criminal record

This measure would have helped people with past criminal records get job licenses more easily. A simpler, fairer process gives returning citizens better opportunities to rejoin the workforce and build stable livelihoods and futures. However, due to legislative discord, the bill didn’t get a final vote.

House Resolution 884: Making Georgia’s welfare programs work better

This proposal sought to create a task force to streamline safety net and workforce development systems in Georgia. It was shelved due to disagreements, but it’s on the radar for next year’s session. Connecting welfare and workforce programs should be an immediate priority because it’s one of Georgia’s best opportunities to remove barriers to work and upward mobility for more people.

Image Credit: Canva

Occupational Licensing Bill Would Improve Access to Job Opportunities for Georgia’s Returning Citizens

by David Bass | Mar 13, 2025

Occupational Licensing Reform Bill Post - Header Image

Occupational Licensing Bill Would Improve Access to Job Opportunities for Georgia’s Returning Citizens

Key Points

A new job licensing measure in Georgia, Senate Bill 207, was introduced in the 2025 Legislative Session to open career pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.
SB 207 focuses on simplifying and streamlining the application process for job licenses, creating a clearer and fairer system for returning citizens.
If passed, the bill could expand access to steady jobs in industries like healthcare, education, real estate, and trade occupations.

For returning citizens, stable employment can mean so much more than financial stability. It can be a powerful source of renewed purpose and belonging within their communities. In fact, research has shown that if returning citizens can keep a job for six months or more, their likelihood of ending up back in prison drops dramatically. It also improves the odds that returning citizens will reconnect with loved ones, especially their children, another step toward preventing recidivism.

That’s where Senate Bill 207 enters the picture. Introduced in Georgia’s 2025 legislative session and sponsored by Sen. Brian Strickland, the measure would create clearer guidelines for individuals with criminal records, making it easier to obtain job licenses in various industries.

The bill applies to a variety of occupations in various fields, including education, healthcare, insurance, real estate, trade occupations, and first responders.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has backed SB 207, praising the bill for how it “standardizes the process for reviewing applicants with criminal records, narrows the types of offenses licensing boards can consider, and updates first-offender treatment provisions—all while maintaining important public safety protections.”

SB 207 didn’t get the final vote it needed to pass in 2025, but lawmakers can pick it up again in 2026.

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Key job licensing improvements in SB 207

1. Creates a simpler process for evaluating licenses applications.

SB 207 introduces a preclearance process to streamline the evaluation of licensing applicants with criminal records. Under this process, licensing authorities must present clear evidence when rejecting applicants based on criminal convictions. The measure also mandates hearings before applicants are denied licenses due to their criminal backgrounds, setting specific criteria to guide these decisions and prioritize due process. These structures help ensure licensing boards operate with greater transparency and fairness.

2. Shores up the predetermination process to increase fairness.

The bill creates a predetermination process that allows individuals to petition licensing boards for an early evaluation of their eligibility based on their criminal history, even before completing the necessary qualifications. Licensing boards are required to provide detailed justifications for any adverse outcomes, offering applicants the chance to appeal or present additional evidence. The changes help ground decisions in merit rather than prejudice.

3. Recognizes the hard work returning citizens have put in toward rehabilitation.

The bill requires licensing boards to carefully evaluate the nature and seriousness of past offenses, the length of time since the incident, and the individual’s age at the time of the crime. They must also review evidence of rehabilitation, including educational achievements, work history, and community involvement. This holistic approach gives more consideration to the applicant’s growth and emphasizes their present ability to contribute to the workforce, allowing them to overcome past mistakes.

4. Places limitations on criminal records to create more neutrality.

Finally, the bill imposes limitations on the types of criminal records that can influence licensing decisions. Sealed, pardoned, or older minor convictions are generally excluded from consideration, helping applicants avoid unnecessary penalties for issues long resolved. It also curtails the use of subjective standards, such as assessing “good moral character,” which can perpetuate bias and inconsistencies.

Georgia needs licensing reform to reduce barriers to employment

While occupational licensing serves an important purpose in certain industries, it often becomes an unnecessary barrier for individuals eager to pursue meaningful careers. These barriers hit low-income workers the hardest. Licensing fees, mandatory coursework, and unpaid apprenticeships can be insurmountable for those struggling to make ends meet or to overcome difficult circumstances, past or present. For example, someone trying to enter a trade like plumbing or electrical work might face costs of thousands of dollars before they can begin earning.

Job licensing reforms offer a way to expand job opportunities and restore people’s hope for better future. With SB 207, Georgia lawmakers have a chance to build on their recent history of reforming occupational licensure to benefit Georgians and strengthen our workforce.

School List Available for Georgia Promise Scholarship Eligibility

by David Bass | Feb 25, 2025

Students zoned for 512 public schools may be eligible to receive the Georgia Promise Scholarship.

School List Available for Georgia Promise Scholarship Eligibility

Key Points

The Georgia Promise Scholarship school list is now available. Families zoned for one of 512 elementary, middle, and high schools across Georgia will eligible to apply for the new Promise Scholarship program.
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the Georgia Promise Scholarship will give families up to $6,500 per student to choose the learning environment that’s best for their child.
Families can apply for the Georgia Promise Scholarship between March 1 and April 15, 2025. Sign up here for application tips and updates.

There’s exciting news for Georgia families and students:

Students zoned for one of 512 elementary, middle, and high schools across Georgia will be able to apply for Georgia’s new Promise Scholarship program to attend an educational alternative. That’s according to a list released by the Georgia Education Savings Authority (GESA), the state government entity responsible for overseeing the new program.

This program offers students a chance to access education opportunities best suited to their needs. The funds can be used for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, tutoring, or other approved education expenses. The total amount of scholarships is capped at $141 million for the upcoming school year. That amount is estimated to cover around 22,000 students.

The first application period is now open and will run through April 15, 2025. Families can learn more at mygeorgiapromise.org.

If your student is zoned for a school on the Georgia Promise Scholarship School List, your family meets the attendance zone requirement to apply.

See the List of Eligible Schools

If your student is zoned for a school on the Georgia Promise Scholarship School List, your family meets the attendance zone requirement to apply.

See the List of Eligible Schools

Does your family quality for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?

Parents can quickly determine their child’s eligibility by taking a 45-second quiz available on the GESA website.

Eligibility criteria:

To apply, students must meet the following requirements:

Be zoned for at least one of the 512 eligible public schools.
Have been enrolled in a Georgia public school for two consecutive semesters, or is a rising kindergarten student.
Parents must have lived in Georgia for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military families.

The program prioritizes lower-income Georgia families. If applications exceed available slots, priority goes to families with household incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $120,000 for a family of four).

Are Promise Scholarships a stable option for the future?

Promise Scholarships are off to a strong start. Governor Brian Kemp has allocated full funding for the program in his new proposed budget, which is pending approval by the state legislature. A bill has also been introduced, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal, that would broaden eligibility for Promise Scholarships, including provisions for foster families.

Opportunities like the Promise Scholarship give families a brighter future

The creation of Promise Scholarships has been a crucial step forward for Georgia families. Education is the foundation for a thriving life. For families feeling limited by their current school options, Promise Scholarships provide the hope of access to a better fit for their child’s unique needs. Whether it’s finding the right private school, funding homeschooling expenses, or other learning resources, this program empowers parents to make the best decision possible for their children.

Promise Scholarships become a reality in 2025. Here’s what families and communities need to know.

by David Bass | Feb 6, 2025

Promise Scholarships will open for eligible Georgia families in 2025.

Promise Scholarships become a reality in 2025. Here’s what families and communities need to know.

Key Points

Students from hundreds of public schools across Georgia will soon be able to apply for up to $6,500 per year to cover approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, and more, starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
The program is available to students in the bottom 25% of Georgia’s public schools, enrolled during the 2024-2025 school year or entering kindergarten, with lower-income families favored first.
Applications open in early 2025. Sign up here to be notified when the program opens.

Big changes are on the horizon for education in Georgia. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, thousands of families will have greater access to flexible education options through the new Promise Scholarship.

Education is a vital pathway to opportunity, and every child deserves the chance to succeed. Unfortunately, many Georgia students remain stuck in underperforming schools without access to better alternatives. The Promise Scholarship aims to change that by expanding access to diverse, high-quality education opportunities.

With applications opening soon, now is the perfect time for parents, communities, and educators to prepare for what’s to come.

Promise Scholarship applications open soon and will only be available for a short time. Sign up to be notified when parent applications launch.

Get on the List

What are Promise Scholarships?

The Georgia Promise Scholarship is a state-funded initiative designed to give families more control over their children’s education. Through this program, qualifying students will receive up to $6,500 annually to cover a range of education-related expenses. Unlike traditional vouchers, which are limited to school tuition, Promise Scholarships provide greater flexibility.

Funds can be used for approved expenses such as:

Private school tuition and fees
Tutoring services
Textbooks and curriculum
Education therapies
Education-related technology
Transportation costs

With this comprehensive approach, Promise Scholarships aim to help families create a personalized education path that meets their unique needs.

Who can apply?

Promise Scholarships are targeted to empower families with the fewest resources and the greatest need. There are specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the program, including:

Enrolled in eligible public schools: Students must be attending one of the bottom 25% of Georgia’s public schools (as ranked by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement) during the 2024-2025 school year or be entering kindergarten.
Residency requirement: Parents must have lived in Georgia for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military personnel.
Income priority: If the number of applicants exceeds available funding, families with household incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (around $130,000 for a family of four) will be prioritized.

These scholarships are expected to impact up to 22,000 students in the first year, creating access to resources and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Key dates to remember

Applications will open on March 1, 2025, and close on April 15, 2025. This application window is limited, so parents are encouraged to start preparing now by gathering necessary documentation and confirming eligibility.

The scholarships will provide funding for the 2025-2026 school year, so families who qualify can plan ahead and explore education options well in advance.

What can parents do now?

Parents can take steps today to prepare for the launch of Promise Scholarships. Here’s how you can get started:

Check for eligibility: Ensure your child qualifies by reviewing the criteria. This includes confirming their enrollment in a qualifying school or kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. See eligibility details here.

Prepare documentation: Gather residency proof and any other information that may be required for the application.

Start exploring education options: While the list of eligible schools hasn’t been released yet, it’s a good idea to consider the types of educational settings or services that could best meet your child’s needs. A list of participating private schools is available here.

Learn more about education choices: For additional guidance, consult the Parents’ Guide to Education in Georgia to better understand the options available to you and your family.