John F. Kirtley, Step Up For Students founder and chairman
Editor’s note: Harvard University Program on Education Policy and Governance devoted its annual spring research conference 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. To learn more about Harvard’s Emerging School Models conference, scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18, go here.
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.