Study reveals top U.S. states for K-12 education

By Esther Wickham
The Center Square

Massachusetts and Virginia rank as the top states for K-12 education, with strong academics, high graduation rates and supportive school environments, according to a new analysis by Autism 360, a program offering support for families with children on the autism spectrum.

The study evaluated ACT scores, graduation rates, pupil-to-teacher ratios, bullying and dropout rates, among other things.

Massachusetts leads the national rankings with an ACT score of 26.4, along with a 90% graduation rate, the second highest nationally, and a 3.7% dropout rate, among the lowest.

The state’s smaller class sizes and stable school staffing contribute to its continued success, the report adds.

Virginia ranks second with an average ACT score of 24.6, an 89% graduation rate, and a record-low dropout rate of 3.5%

Yet the U.S. Department of Education pointed to the National Assessment of Educational Progress’ finding that nationwide test scores are at an all-time low.

“Today’s NAEP results confirm a devastating trend: American students are testing at historic lows across all of K-12,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said.

Ash Bhattacharya, founder of Autism 360, told The Center Square in an email that states making steady, long-term investments in schools are widening their lead over those experiencing frequent policy shifts.

Bhattacharya said school climate and student well-being have become central indicators of performance, with states strengthening mental health resources and anti-bullying programs seeing improvements.

Oregon ranks last in the study, with an SAT score of 1,117, an ACT score of 20.9 and a graduation rate of 81%. Oregon also recorded a 6.3% dropout rate.

“What this study makes clear is that good K-12 education is about far more than test preparation,” Bhattacharya said. “The states at the top build supportive environments that keep students engaged and on track.”