States with the best public schools for families

When it comes to choosing the best place to raise children, many parents prioritize the quality of public schools. After all, a strong educational foundation is pivotal in shaping a child’s future.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the states that offer top-notch public school systems, considering various factors that contribute to their success. So, whether you’re planning a move or simply curious, let’s explore some of the best states for education!

Spotlight on Massachusetts: Leading the Nation in Education

Massachusetts consistently ranks as a leader in education, thanks to its rigorous standards and strong accountability measures. The state’s commitment to funding and teacher training has resulted in top-performing schools and high student achievement.

Massachusetts also boasts a high percentage of students meeting national proficiency standards. With a focus on both academic excellence and innovation, it serves as a model for other states aiming to enhance their public school systems.

Why New Jersey Continues to Excel in Public Schooling

New Jersey is renowned for its excellent public schools, attributed to substantial funding and a focus on small class sizes. The state’s investment in education ensures that schools have the resources needed to support student learning.

New Jersey’s emphasis on early childhood education and comprehensive curricula contributes to its students’ success. With a commitment to maintaining high educational standards, New Jersey remains a top choice for parents seeking quality public education.

New Hampshire: Small State, Big Education Achievements

New Hampshire may be small, but its education achievements are impressive. The state’s excellence starts from the ground up, as it has one of the nation’s highest rates for preschool enrollment.

New Hampshire’s emphasis on environmental education and sustainability adds a unique dimension to its curriculum. With some of the nation’s smallest class sizes, New Hampshire creates an environment where students thrive. This combination of factors makes New Hampshire a standout in public education.

The Consistent Success of Connecticut’s Public Schools

Connecticut’s public schools consistently perform well due to a combination of strong funding and high academic standards. The state places a significant emphasis on student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to support student learning.

With a focus on both academic rigor and inclusivity, Connecticut continues to excel in providing quality education to its students.

Wisconsin’s Approach to Comprehensive Education

Wisconsin takes a comprehensive approach to education, focusing on both academic excellence and student well-being. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Wisconsin student test scores have outperformed most other states in the country.

Wisconsin’s schools were also shown to excel in low bullying rates, a healthy student-to-teacher ratio, and general academic performance. By prioritizing both academic achievement and holistic development, Wisconsin has created a public school system that supports students in reaching their full potential.

Maryland: Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars

Maryland excels in balancing academics with extracurricular opportunities, providing a well-rounded education for its students. This also shows the promising results of education reform in the state, as CBS News reported that math and English proficiency increased throughout the state since 2025.

Moreover, 25 schools have had marked increases in quality over the same period, translating to a 25% improvement over the last three years. The number of schools marked four or five stars by the state Department of Education’s ranking has also increased to its highest rating since 2018. As a result, Maryland is now one of the top ten states in America for education.

The Rise of Virginia in Public School Excellence

Since 2008, Virginia has consistently ended each school year as one of the top ten states for education in the United States. In most subject areas and grade levels, Virginia students have shown a history of significantly outperforming the national average.

Better yet, the state’s educational performance has only increased in the years since, as the state’s robust accountability metrics and the priority of education within the state’s budget have ensured its consistent place in the top four states. This first started occurring in 2010.

Analyzing Indiana’s Commitment to Education

Indiana’s commitment to education is evident in its focus on teacher quality and innovative teaching methods. As a result, WalletHub has ranked the Hoosier State as eighth overall in national school system rankings, which take student-to-teacher ratios, dropout rates, and median standardized test scores into account.

By prioritizing both academic achievement and student well-being, Indiana has built a public school system that fosters success and growth.

The Robust Performance in New York’s Schools

New York’s public schools are some of the best-funded in the country, topping the national charts for per-student funding at both the elementary and secondary school levels. Although the Empire State ranked 16th overall in safety, The Democrat & Chronicle noted that the quality of education attained there ranked ninth nationwide.

When other factors, such as standardized test scores, graduation rate, teacher credentials, and student-teacher ratio, were taken into account, WalletHub positioned New York’s schools as tenth overall in the nation. If the safety score can be addressed, they’ll likely rank even higher.

Rhode Island: A Hidden Gem for Quality Education

Rhode Island may be small, but its dedication to quality education is significant. Its performance has not only proved impressive but also well-rounded in its excellence.

According to WalletHub, this has translated to a school system that is not only within the national top ten for the overall quality of education found within the Ocean State, but equally ranked for safety.