Most of the States With the Best Public Schools Are Back East

Massachusetts lands at No. 1 for a reason. Its public school system consistently outperforms others on the NAEP, especially for fourth and eighth graders in reading and math.

The Bay State's education system benefits from strong funding, small class sizes, and well-paid teachers. Students in Massachusetts thrive in an environment designed for academic success.

Connecticut students benefit from high funding levels and some of the smallest student-to-teacher ratios in the country. It ranks near the top for ACT scores and AP exam participation.

The Constitution State invests heavily in safety resources and special education, ensuring that low-income students and those with special needs receive extra attention. New Haven and other districts also emphasize diversity and inclusion.

New Jersey ranks high in almost every public school metric: test scores, teacher qualifications, and graduation rates. Jersey ranks consistently well for ACT and SAT scores, and its school system is praised for equity in funding and performance across districts.

The state spends more per pupil than most, which translates to better outcomes. Property taxes are high, but many parents view them as a worthwhile investment in quality education.

Maryland's public education system is known for strong college readiness scores and a elevated high school graduation rate. The state has one of the most diverse student bodies in the country and is home to several top-ranked school districts.

Maryland balances academic rigor with robust extracurricular options and career tech programs, helping students of all interests and abilities.

New Hampshire offers some of the best public school systems in New England. It consistently scores above the national average on the NAEP and posts strong ACT and SAT results.

The state has low dropout rates and maintains high safety standards, with few criminal offenses or incidents of gun violence in schools.

Plus, there's no state income tax, which appeals to families weighing education and cost of living.

Florida has made major educational progress over the past two decades. Once near the bottom, it's now among the best states for improvements in fourth and eighth grade test scores. The state emphasizes Advanced Placement courses and therefore boasts high AP participation.

While challenges remain for individual schools, especially in low-income areas, state-wide initiatives have led to higher graduation rates and better college readiness.

South Dakota may not top every chart, but it excels in providing a safe, supportive environment for students. The state maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio and ranks well for school safety.

Rural districts, often overlooked in national rankings, deliver solid education outcomes thanks to community support and strong ties between educators and families.

Despite economic struggles, West Virginia has seen real gains in its public education system.

With investments in early childhood education and support for public school teachers, the state has raised its high school graduation rate to 91 percent (the highest in the country) and seen modest gains on recent NAEP assessments.

West Virginia also provides additional support for low-income students and maintains robust special education programs.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.