Listed below are counties with the lowest student-teacher ratio (2026-27).
The lowest county for student-teacher ratio is Newton County, AR with 4:1. The highest county for student-teacher ratio is Louisa County, VA with 42:1.
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 |
Lowest Average Public School Student-Teacher Ratio By County (2026-27)
County
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
Schools with Lowest Student-Teacher Ratio
Rank: #11.
4:1
Rank: #2-42-4.
6:1
Rank: #2-42-4.
6:1
Rank: #2-42-4.
6:1
Rank: #5-85-8.
7:1
Rank: #5-85-8.
7:1
Rank: #5-85-8.
7:1
Rank: #5-85-8.
7:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Rank: #9-209-20.
8:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties have the public schools with the highest student-teacher ratio?
The counties with the highest student-teacher ratio are Newton County, AR (4:1 average student-teacher ratio), Golden Valley County, MT (6:1 average student-teacher ratio) and Buena Vista City, VA (6:1 average student-teacher ratio).
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.