As parents, you want to find the right school for your kids—not just based on academics but also on how it supports their emotional growth. But it’s not that simple! Luckily, a study by WalletHub has stepped in to make the process easier by evaluating states based on math and reading scores, A.P. exams, school safety, and Blue Ribbon schools per capita.
So, here’s the scoop on the best and worst school systems in the country. Some states with top-ranking schools might surprise you—they’re still facing their own challenges!
Best: Massachusetts
Parents looking for top-notch education don’t have to search far—it’s all in the Bay State! Sure, having Harvard is a plus, but it’s the overall school system in Massachusetts that shines, leading the nation in 8th-grade math and 4th-grade reading scores. Some families even hire tutors before moving to Boston so their kids are ready for the advanced curriculum.
High schoolers here also do well, ranking highly in Advanced Placement exams, with a low dropout rate of just 3.8%. Schools are safe, and students are well-prepared. It’s truly the cream of the crop for education!
Best: Connecticut
If Massachusetts isn’t the right fit for your family or education plans, Connecticut offers a great alternative. It ranks second in the nation for its school system and has the best SAT scores. About 7.6% of public schools here are among the top 700 nationwide, and the student-to-teacher ratio is excellent.
Safety is a top priority, with regular audits and low drug issues on school grounds. Plus, it’s not just Yale or UConn—Connecticut has a solid community college system, perfect for staying local and saving money while earning a degree.
Best: Maryland
Maryland makes learning easier with policies that ensure digital content and instructional materials are available beyond the classroom. It’s home to schools with excellent SAT and A.P. scores, and about 6.2% of public schools rank among the top 700 nationwide.
With top universities like Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland, the state delivers high education standards. There’s a clear investment in schools and a strong focus on quality teaching, making the Free State a great choice for families and students looking for a solid education.
Best: New Jersey
You get what you pay for in the Garden State—great schools come with a high cost of living. The state ranks third in overall education quality and spends the fourth most per student. It also boasts second-place reading test scores in the U.S., just behind Massachusetts.
While the state ranks 23rd in school safety, it still boasts the lowest crime rate at 16.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. New Jersey is still one of the safest states for high school students when it comes to school-based violence, with 424 officers per 100,000 residents.
Best: Wisconsin
When it comes to top schools, you can expect high living costs, too, but Wisconsin proves otherwise. With lower housing costs, it still ranks fifth for education, boasting one of the lowest dropout rates in the nation. It also ranks fourth for quality and 18th for safety, with impressive math and SAT scores.
Wisconsin takes education seriously, offering top-tier public and private schools, plus colleges like the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University. The Badger State balances affordability with quality education for all.
Best: New Hampshire
Students flock to New Hampshire, knowing it’s a great choice for education and safety. They’re definitely on the right track! The state ranks high in key K-12 indicators, including math and reading, and boasts one of the best pupil-teacher ratios. It also has one of the highest preschool enrollment rates for kids under 5.
New Hampshire is home to top universities like Dartmouth, plus respected public schools like the University of New Hampshire and Keene State University, offering affordable tuition for in-state students. However, there’s room for improvement, as the state has a high bullying rate.
Worst: New Mexico
New Mexico has some serious catching up to do, ranking last for its school system. It scores the lowest in math and reading tests, plus SAT scores, and faces a high dropout rate.
The state also struggles with high poverty, which affects families striving for better educational opportunities. This situation not only impacts academics but also holds back community growth and limits long-term career chances for young people in the so-called Land of Enchantment.
Worst: Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s school system isn’t much better, ranking as the second worst in the country. The state has low math and reading scores and a low median ACT score. It really isn’t surprising it also has one of the highest dropout rates.
The state barely invests in education, ranking 46th for school spending. Oklahoma also has one of the worst student-to-administrator ratios; even hiring 400 more administrators wouldn’t bring it up to the national average. Clearly, there’s a lot of work to be done.
Worst: Arizona
At this point, you kind of know what to expect in the third worst state for the school system: low funding, high student-to-teacher ratios, poor test scores, and high dropout rates. Oh, and inevitably, the high school graduation rate also ranks among the lowest here in Arizona.
While some districts are better than others, most families get stuck with the school that serves their area, which often means rolling the dice on whether it’s a good one (though there’s a higher chance it isn’t). That might be enough reason to consider sending your kids to a better school, even if it means looking elsewhere.
Worst: Alaska
Student absenteeism in Alaska is shockingly high, and it’s not completely surprising when you look at the facts. The state has the highest bullying rates and ranks fourth lowest in reading test scores. Plus, there aren’t many options for college-bound students.
On the bright side, Alaska’s public schools are welcoming to a diverse population of students. About 16% of students are Black, a quarter are Hispanic, and half are White, with American Indians also making up a significant portion of the population.
Worst: Louisiana
No one wants to attend a school where they don’t feel safe, and that’s a big issue in Louisiana. The state has the highest percentage of high school students who are threatened or injured.
The problem doesn’t end there. Funding disparities make it harder to ensure a good education, especially in rural areas where resources are limited and schools are outdated. However, Louisiana is home to respected universities like LSU and Tulane, which offer strong higher education options.
Worst: West Virginia
West Virginia may have the lowest dropout rate, but it still faces serious challenges. The state struggles with low math, reading, and SAT scores, along with a high bullying rate and a lack of steady funding for schools.
On a positive note, the Mountain State is home to West Virginia University, a top research school with strong engineering programs. WVU is one of only 146 universities in the country with “Highest Research Activity” status, and in-state tuition is affordable, making it a good option for higher education.
Source: WalletHub
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