The 5 states with the best schools in America — and the 5 with the worst School outcomes vary widely state to state, which is why WalletHub set out to find the places with the best and worst public school systems

Education remains a cornerstone of opportunity and progress in the United States, but not all states deliver equally when it comes to quality schooling. A recent analysis by WalletHub, published on Quartz, ranks U.S. states based on their K-12 education systems, offering insight into which states excel and which fall short in 2025. By evaluating 32 key metrics across two primary categories—Educational Attainment and School Quality—the study paints a detailed picture of the nation’s education landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the findings, highlighting the top-performing states, those lagging behind, and the factors driving these rankings. How States Were Ranked WalletHub’s methodology assessed all 50 states and the District of Columbia using a 100-point scale, with Educational Attainment accounting for 50 points and School Quality making up the remaining 50. The metrics included standardized test scores (math, reading, ACT, and SAT), graduation rates, pupil-to-teacher ratios, school safety, per-pupil spending, and the presence of National Blue Ribbon Schools. Additional factors like access to digital learning, parental education levels, and school funding were also considered to reflect both outcomes and resources. Top-Performing States for Education in 2025 The analysis crowned **Massachusetts** as the nation’s leader in education, scoring an impressive 76.92 out of 100. Massachusetts secured the top spot in School Quality and ranked second in Educational Attainment, driven by exceptional math and reading scores, a high concentration of Blue Ribbon Schools, and robust per-pupil spending. The state’s commitment to academic excellence and well-funded schools continues to set a national standard. Following closely were **Connecticut** (67.78) and **Maryland** (65.56), which ranked second and third, respectively. Connecticut stood out for its high median ACT scores and strong reading performance, while Maryland benefited from low pupil-to-teacher ratios and a high share of nationally recognized schools. **New Jersey** (64.96) and **Wisconsin** (63.37) rounded out the top five, with New Jersey excelling in graduation rates and Wisconsin boasting strong math performance. Other notable performers included **Virginia** (sixth), **New Hampshire** (seventh), **Minnesota** (eighth), **New York** (ninth), and **Florida** (tenth). Virginia and New Hampshire scored well in both attainment and quality, while Minnesota’s strength lay in its equitable funding distribution. New York’s high per-pupil spending and Florida’s improving graduation rates helped secure their spots. ### States Struggling to Keep Up At the opposite end of the spectrum, **New Mexico** ranked dead last with a score of 27.01, hampered by the lowest math and reading scores in the nation and poor school safety metrics. The state’s challenges reflect broader systemic issues, including inadequate funding and high dropout rates. **Alaska** (31.39) and **Arizona** (32.29) also ranked near the bottom, with Alaska struggling with low graduation rates and Arizona facing issues with teacher shortages and school quality. **Louisiana** (33.02) and **Nevada** (34.27) completed the bottom five, with Louisiana’s low test scores and Nevada’s inconsistent funding allocation dragging them down. These states face significant hurdles in improving educational outcomes, particularly in ensuring equitable access to quality schools. Key Trends and Insights The rankings reveal stark regional disparities. Northeastern states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey dominated the top tier, benefiting from strong economies and long-standing investments in education. In contrast, many Southern and Western states, such as New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arizona, struggled with structural challenges like underfunding and teacher shortages. School safety emerged as a critical factor, with states like Massachusetts and Connecticut scoring high due to low rates of bullying and violence. Meanwhile, states at the bottom often reported higher safety concerns, which can undermine student performance. Funding also played a pivotal role—states with higher per-pupil spending, like New York and New Jersey, consistently outperformed those with lower investments. Digital learning access was another differentiator. Top states tended to have robust infrastructure for remote and hybrid learning, a legacy of post-pandemic adaptations. States like Minnesota and Virginia excelled here, while others, like Alaska, lagged due to geographic and technological barriers. What This Means for Parents and Policymakers For parents, these rankings offer a guide to the educational environments their children may encounter, particularly for those considering relocation. States like Massachusetts and Connecticut provide strong public school systems, while families in lower-ranking states may need to explore private or charter options to supplement gaps in quality. For policymakers, the data underscores the need for targeted interventions. States at the bottom could benefit from increased funding, teacher recruitment programs, and initiatives to improve school safety. Even top performers must address inequities, as disparities within states—such as between urban and rural districts—persist. The 2025 education rankings highlight the profound impact of resources, policy, and priorities on student outcomes. Massachusetts sets a gold standard with its comprehensive approach to education, while states like New Mexico face an uphill battle to improve. As the U.S. navigates a complex educational landscape, these rankings serve as both a report card and a call to action for ensuring every child has access to a quality education, regardless of where they live.