Top Public Schools in the US: State-by-State Rankings for 2025

As the world becomes increasingly competitive, the quality of education has become a top priority for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. With the new year just around the corner, the World Population Review has released its latest rankings of public schools by state for 2025. In this article, we'll delve into the top public schools in the US, exploring the state-by-state rankings and what they reveal about the current state of education in America.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The World Population Review's rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including student-teacher ratios, graduation rates, test scores, and funding per student. The review also takes into account other important metrics, such as the percentage of students enrolled in advanced courses, like AP and IB programs, and the number of students participating in extracurricular activities. By considering these factors, the review provides a holistic view of the public education system in each state.

Top 5 States with the Best Public Schools

According to the World Population Review's 2025 rankings, the top 5 states with the best public schools are:

• Massachusetts: Known for its prestigious universities and highly educated population, Massachusetts takes the top spot with an overall score of 92.2%. The state's strong education system is reflected in its high graduation rate of 88.3% and average ACT score of 25.1.
• New Jersey: With an overall score of 90.1%, New Jersey comes in second. The state boasts a high graduation rate of 90.5% and an average SAT score of 1120.
• Utah: Utah ranks third, with an overall score of 89.2%. The state's public schools have a graduation rate of 86.1% and an average ACT score of 23.2.
• Iowa: Iowa takes the fourth spot, with an overall score of 88.5%. The state's public schools have a graduation rate of 91.4% and an average ACT score of 22.1.
• Connecticut: Rounding out the top 5 is Connecticut, with an overall score of 88.2%. The state's public schools have a graduation rate of 87.4% and an average SAT score of 1090.

Bottom 5 States with the Lowest-Ranked Public Schools

On the other end of the spectrum, the bottom 5 states with the lowest-ranked public schools are:

• New Mexico: With an overall score of 64.4%, New Mexico ranks last in the country. The state's public schools struggle with a low graduation rate of 73.4% and an average ACT score of 19.3.
• Mississippi: Mississippi comes in second-to-last, with an overall score of 65.3%. The state's public schools have a graduation rate of 74.2% and an average ACT score of 19.1.
• West Virginia: West Virginia ranks 48th, with an overall score of 66.2%. The state's public schools have a graduation rate of 90.3%, but struggle with low test scores, including an average ACT score of 21.1.
• Alabama: Alabama takes the 47th spot, with an overall score of 66.5%. The state's public schools have a graduation rate of 90.8%, but face challenges with low funding and limited resources.
• Louisiana: Rounding out the bottom 5 is Louisiana, with an overall score of 67.1%. The state's public schools have a graduation rate of 79.5%, but struggle with low test scores and limited opportunities for advanced courses.

The World Population Review's 2025 rankings of public schools by state provide valuable insights into the state of education in America. While some states excel in providing high-quality education, others struggle with low funding, limited resources, and poor test scores. By understanding these rankings, parents, educators, and policymakers can work together to address the challenges facing public education and provide all students with the opportunity to succeed.

For more information on the World Population Review's rankings and to see how your state stacks up, visit their website at worldpopulationreview.com.