--- title: Step Up For Students founder shares Florida’s ed choice journey at Harvard University conference description: "

Editor’s note: Harvard University Program on Education Policy and Governance devoted its annual spring research conference to helping policymakers assess...

" image: https://nextstepsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/john_kirtley_684.jpg --- [![SUFS-LOGO_circle-1](https://go.stepupforstudents.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SUFS-LOGO_circle-1.png?width=150&height=150&name=SUFS-LOGO_circle-1.png "SUFS-LOGO_circle-1")](https://www.stepupforstudents.org/) English × # Step Up For Students founder shares Florida’s ed choice journey at Harvard University conference [John Kirtley](}}) Jun 26, 2026, 9:59:34 AM ![](https://nextstepsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/john_kirtley_684-1024x1024.jpg) John F. Kirtley, Step Up For Students founder and chairman *Editor’s note: [Harvard University Program on Education Policy and Governance](https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/taubman/programs-research/pepg)devoted its [annual spring research conference](https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/taubman/programs-research/pepg/events/school-choice-conference-2026) to helping policymakers assess education choice: What is and is not working, the trade-offs involved in different programs, and the long-term effects. John F. Kirtley, the founder and chairman of Step Up For Students, the nation’s largest nonprofit scholarship funding organization, told attendees in a keynote address about his home state of Florida, where 30 years of robust education choice across the district, charter, and private sectors are not only working but have set a national standard for the other states taking their first steps on the journey. His remarks are summarized below. You can read the entire speech [here](https://nextstepsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/JFK-full-Harvard-Speech-Word-copy-.pdf). To learn more about Harvard’s Emerging School Models conference, scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18, go* [*here.*](https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/taubman/programs-research/pepg/events/emerging-school-models-2026-conference) **Redefinition of public education** - Traditionally defined as public schools funded by taxpayers, with students assigned by ZIP code. - Florida has shifted toward a model empowering families to choose and disaggregate funds for various providers and methods. - The state now offers open enrollment, magnet schools, and a comprehensive education savings account (ESA) system. **Growth of choice programs** - Since 1996, Florida has introduced multiple types of scholarships and ESAs. - The 2014 Gardiner Scholarship expanded disaggregated funds for students with special needs. - In 2023, all K-12 students became eligible for ESAs, creating a truly universal program. - Over 520,000 students participate, with a $4 billion scholarship fund managed mainly by Step Up For Students. **Supply-side developments** - New private schools, including microschools and à la carte providers, have emerged, especially in low-income and rural areas. - Many schools are started by former public educators, often operating without taxpayer-funded facilities. - Laws easing local zoning and safety requirements have facilitated microschool growth. - The expansion of specialized providers offers tailored educational services outside traditional schools. **Impact on rural and district schools** - Private schools and choice options are growing in rural counties, increasing enrollment share from 4.5% to 6.9%. - School districts are now creating magnet schools and offering services through platforms like Step Up. - Some districts have improved performance, with schools rebranding and earning higher rankings. **Educational outcomes and research** - Florida’s NAEP ranking improved from 35th in 1998 to 5th in 2018. - Studies show low-income scholarship students outperform peers in college attendance and graduation. - Competition from choice programs has positively affected nearby public schools, increasing graduation rates and performance. ## Read On [![](https://nextstepsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/JFK-scaled-1.jpg)](https://go.stepupforstudents.org/the-florida-story/step-up-for-students-founder-and-chairman-speaks-on-education-choice-at-florida-taxwatch-policy-forum) ### [Step Up For Students founder and chairman speaks on education choice at Florida TaxWatch policy forum](https://go.stepupforstudents.org/the-florida-story/step-up-for-students-founder-and-chairman-speaks-on-education-choice-at-florida-taxwatch-policy-forum) *Editor's note: This post is shared by our sister organization, [Step Up, Step Further Scholarship...](https://stepupstepfurther.org/)* [![](https://nextstepsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/JFK-onstage-1-.jpg)](https://go.stepupforstudents.org/the-florida-story/step-up-for-students-conference-supports-innovation-as-more-families-seek-varied-options) ### [Step Up For Students conference supports innovation as more families seek varied options](https://go.stepupforstudents.org/the-florida-story/step-up-for-students-conference-supports-innovation-as-more-families-seek-varied-options) ORLANDO, Fla. — As public education has evolved from a one-size-fits-all system to one where... [![](https://nextstepsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ron-at-AUTX-cropped-.jpg)](https://go.stepupforstudents.org/the-florida-story/step-up-for-students-thought-leader-shares-florida-education-choice-success-story-with-students-at-the-university-of-austin) ### [Step Up For Students thought leader shares Florida education choice success story with students at the University of Austin](https://go.stepupforstudents.org/the-florida-story/step-up-for-students-thought-leader-shares-florida-education-choice-success-story-with-students-at-the-university-of-austin) Students at the University of Austin are getting an overview of the nation’s rapidly expanding... 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