Best Counties For Public Schools in the US (2026)

The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a county which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 38% 88% Avg. Statewide: 49%

Top-Ranked Counties With Best Public Schools in the US (2026)

County
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Show 100 more counties in the US (out of 182 top-ranked counties with best public schools)
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Did You Know?

Testing rankings and test scores should not be compared across states - there is large variation in how states define "proficiency" on their standardized tests. In states with the lowest expectations, "proficiency" can be several grade levels below proficiency in states with the highest expectations.