The national average public school student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1 (2026-27).
The lowest state for student-teacher ratio is Tennessee with 0:1. The highest state for student-teacher ratio is California with 22:1.
Student-Teacher Ratio Range: 0:1
22:1
Avg. Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Student-Teacher Ratio Trends
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
| Year | National Average |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2006 | 16 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2004 | 17 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2002 | 17 |
| 2001 | 17 |
| 2000 | 17 |
| 1999 | 17 |
| 1998 | 17 |
| 1997 | 18 |
| 1996 | 18 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1993 | 18 |
| 1992 | 18 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1990 | 17 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1988 | 18 |
| 1987 | 19 |
Average Public School Student-Teacher Ratio (2026-27)
State
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
Schools with Lowest Student-Teacher Ratio
Rank: #11.
0:1
Rank: #2-62-6.
11:1
Rank: #2-62-6.
11:1
Rank: #2-62-6.
11:1
Rank: #2-62-6.
11:1
Rank: #2-62-6.
11:1
Rank: #7-127-12.
12:1
Rank: #7-127-12.
12:1
Rank: #7-127-12.
12:1
Rank: #7-127-12.
12:1
Rank: #7-127-12.
12:1
Rank: #7-127-12.
12:1
Rank: #13-1613-16.
13:1
Rank: #13-1613-16.
13:1
Rank: #13-1613-16.
13:1
Rank: #13-1613-16.
13:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #17-3117-31.
14:1
Rank: #32-3632-36.
15:1
Rank: #32-3632-36.
15:1
Rank: #32-3632-36.
15:1
Rank: #32-3632-36.
15:1
Rank: #32-3632-36.
15:1
Rank: #37-3937-39.
16:1
Rank: #37-3937-39.
16:1
Rank: #37-3937-39.
16:1
Rank: #40-4340-43.
17:1
Rank: #40-4340-43.
17:1
Rank: #40-4340-43.
17:1
Rank: #40-4340-43.
17:1
Rank: #44-4744-47.
18:1
Rank: #44-4744-47.
18:1
Rank: #44-4744-47.
18:1
Rank: #44-4744-47.
18:1
Rank: #4848.
19:1
Rank: #4949.
20:1
Rank: #50-5150-51.
22:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national average public school student-teacher ratio?
The national average public school student-teacher ratio is 15:1 for 2026-27.
What are public schools with the highest student-teacher ratio in the United States?
The public schools with the highest student-teacher ratio in the United States include Ncyf Community High School, Crossroads Center and Arthur R. Gould School--lcydc.
What is the state with the highest student-teacher ratio?
The state with the highest student-teacher ratio is California.
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