Peach Tree Times

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Georgia secured the sixteenth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 74.4%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Georgia scored a 68% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 78%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Georgia earned an 82%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"Opportunity in the Peach State has followed a slower than needed pace in years past, but progress in expanding parent power this year is sweeter than most, making it possible for a variety of educational options, like Yass Prize 2022 finalist Soar Academy, to thrive wherever they set out to help students," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act into law. It was a long drawn out battle but the Governor stayed firm to his commitment of expanding opportunities to the families of the state and was able to deliver on a commitment he made at the beginning of the 2023 legislative session," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”