Connecticut public schools have been ranked the second-best in the United States, according to a new analysis by WalletHub, which reviewed numerous metrics to compare educational quality and safety across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The report, released Monday, evaluated 32 critical metrics such as performance, funding, safety, class size, and instructor credentials in assessing public education systems for kindergarten through 12th grade. The states with the top-ranked public schools, based on these metrics, are Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, and New Hampshire.
Connecticut earned a total score of 67.47, securing the second spot, slightly trailing Massachusetts, which scored 74.34. Connecticut ranked second for quality and sixth for safety.
The analysis highlighted several key factors contributing to Connecticut’s high ranking. Connecticut was noted for having the second-best ACT scores in the nation, and approximately 6.6% of its public schools are ranked among the top 700 nationwide, which is the sixth-highest percentage in the country. In terms of Advanced Placement (AP) exams, Connecticut holds the third-highest share of students achieving scores of 3 or higher.
Connecticut’s pupil-to-teacher ratio is among the best in the country, ranking eighth. The state’s commitment to school safety is evidenced by its status as one of only 17 states mandating regular audits of school safety protocols.
The report further indicates that Connecticut schools have the lowest prevalence of illegal drugs on school grounds, the second-lowest youth incarceration rate, and the sixth-lowest incidence of students carrying weapons on school property.
In specific academic categories, Connecticut students performed notably well. The state ranked 16th in math test scores and 5th in reading test scores. Additionally, Connecticut leads the nation with the highest median ACT score and possesses a well-developed digital learning strategy, ranking first in this category.
Connecticut also fared well in other educational measures, placing 8th regarding the percentage of licensed or certified public K–12 teachers and 11th in dropout rates. The state has the 10th lowest bullying incidence rate and ranks 14th in the percentage of high school students who reported being threatened or injured on school grounds.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the report listed New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Alaska as the states with the lowest rankings, positioned at 51st, 50th, and 49th respectively.
These comprehensive findings from WalletHub underscore Connecticut’s strong performance in both educational quality and school safety, distinguishing it as a leader in public education nationwide.