Choosing a school district for your children is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. You want to ensure that they receive a high-quality education that prepares them for college and beyond. But how do you know which school districts are the best in the USA? There are many factors to consider, such as test scores, graduation rates, diversity, teacher quality, and extracurricular opportunities.
To help you narrow your options, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best school districts in the USA based on statistics, ratings, and reviews from various sources. These school districts have consistently ranked among the top 5% of all schools statewide and have demonstrated excellence in academics, sports, and specialty programs. Here are the top 10 best school districts in the USA for 2023-24.
1. Scarsdale Union Free School District, New York
Graduation rate: 98% | Average ACT score: 31 | Parent rating: 9.5/10
The Scarsdale Union Free School District is a public school district in New York that serves the students of Scarsdale and part of Mamaroneck. The district has seven schools: one high school, one middle school, and five elementary schools. The district is known for its high academic standards, diverse curriculum, and supportive community. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 and an average graduation rate of 98%.
The district also offers a variety of clubs, activities, and sports for students to explore their interests and talents. The Scarsdale Union Free School District is committed to providing a quality education for all students in a safe and nurturing environment.
2. Great Neck Public Schools, New York
Graduation rate: 97% | Average ACT score: 30 | Parent rating: 9.3/10
Great Neck Public Schools is a public school district in New York that serves students from Great Neck, North New Hyde Park, North Hills, and Manhasset Hills. The district has a motto of “Where Discovery Leads to Greatness” and a budget of $234,418,944.
The district has three high schools, two middle schools, four elementary schools, and a nursery school. The district is known for its academic excellence and ranked as the number one public school district in New York and number three in the US by Niche in 2020. The district has a history of more than 200 years and has undergone many changes in its school buildings and student population over time.
3. Jericho Union Free School District, New York
Graduation rate: 96% | Average ACT score: 29 | Parent rating: 9.1/10
The Jericho Union Free School District is a public school district in Jericho, New York, that serves students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The district was established in 1959 with the completion of Jericho High School, and it currently consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
The district is committed to nurturing the individual capabilities and unique talents of all members of the educational community and preparing them for the rapid technological changes of the information age. The district offers a broad, challenging, and engaging curriculum, as well as various extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and music. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, and 91% of students are at least proficient in math and 86% in reading. The district has also received several awards and recognitions for its academic excellence and diversity.
4. Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
Graduation rate: 95% | Average ACT score: 28 | Parent rating: 9.0/10
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is a public school district that serves more than 160,000 students in Maryland. MCPS operates 208 schools, including 134 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, 26 high schools, and eight special schools. MCPS is committed to providing high-quality education for all students, regardless of their background, abilities, or interests.
MCPS offers a variety of programs and services to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of its students, such as magnet programs, career and technology education, dual enrollment, special education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and gifted and talented education. MCPS also strives to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and excellence among its staff, students, families, and community partners.
MCPS is led by a superintendent who is appointed by an elected Board of Education. The Board of Education sets the policies and budget for the district and oversees its implementation. MCPS has a vision to inspire learning, empower students, and prepare them for college, career, and community readiness.
5. Bergenfield Public School District, New Jersey
Graduation rate: 94% | Average ACT score: 28 | Parent rating: 8.9/10
The Bergenfield Public School District is a public school district in New Jersey that serves students from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. The district has seven schools: four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The district is known for its academic excellence, diversity, and innovation. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Bergenfield High School is ranked among the top high schools in the nation and the state.
The district also offers various programs and services to support student wellness, such as the SpeakUp for Safety tipline, the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT), and the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. The district's mission is to provide a quality education that prepares all students for college and career readiness in a global society.
6. Westfield Public Schools, New Jersey
Graduation rate: 93% | Average ACT score: 27 | Parent rating: 8.8/10
Westfield Public Schools is a public school district in New Jersey that serves students from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. The district has 10 schools, including a central kindergarten, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district is classified by the New Jersey Department of Education as being in District Factor Group "I", the second-highest of eight groupings based on socioeconomic characteristics.
The district has received several awards and recognitions, such as the National Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence for Theodore Roosevelt Intermediate School in 2004-05 and Washington Elementary School in 2019, and the Star School designation for Westfield High School in 1994-95. The district has an enrollment of 6,304 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.6:1 as of the 2018-19 school year.
7. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Virginia
Graduation rate: 92% | Average ACT score: 32 | Parent rating: 9.2/10
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, or TJHSST, is a public magnet high school in Alexandria, Virginia that specializes in STEM education. It is ranked as one of the best high schools in the nation by US News and World Report. The school offers a rigorous curriculum that includes courses such as DNA science, advanced marine biology, automation and robotics, architectural drawing and design, research statistics, and AP calculus.
Students also have access to 15 specialized research labs, ranging from astronomy and astrophysics to oceanography and geophysical systems. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a graduation rate of 100%. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, such as clubs, publications, sports, and music. The school was established in 1985 and occupies the building of the previous Thomas Jefferson High School which was constructed in 1964.
8. Wellesley Public Schools, Massachusetts
Graduation rate: 91% | Average ACT score: 29 | Parent rating: 8.7/10
Wellesley Public Schools is a top-rated public school district in Massachusetts, serving over 4,000 students from preschool to grade 12. The district consists of an integrated preschool program, seven elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The district's mission is to provide a learning environment that fosters academic excellence, social responsibility, and emotional well-being for all students.
Wellesley Public Schools is proud to have four of its schools recognized as Schools of Recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for their high achievement and growth in 2023. The district is also committed to innovation and sustainability, as evidenced by its ongoing construction projects for new Hunnewell and Hardy elementary schools, which are expected to open in 2024. Wellesley Public Schools strives to prepare its students for a diverse and changing world by offering a rigorous curriculum, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a supportive community.
9. Chappaqua Central School District, New York
Graduation rate: 90% | Average ACT score: 30 | Parent rating: 8.6/10
The Chappaqua Central School District is a public school district in New York that serves about 3,500 students in grades K-12. The district has six schools: three elementary schools (Douglas Grafflin, Roaring Brook, and Westorchard), two middle schools (Robert E. Bell and Seven Bridges), and one high school (Horace Greeley). The district is known for its high academic standards, talented staff, and involved parent community.
According to Niche.com, the district is rated A+ overall and ranks among the top 10% of public schools in New York based on test scores, graduation rates, college readiness, and more. The district's mission is to provide a community for learning that fosters excellence, creativity, diversity, and citizenship. The district also offers various programs and services to support the needs and interests of its students, such as special education, athletics, arts, clubs, enrichment, and more.
10. Eanes Independent School District, Texas
Graduation rate: 99% | Average ACT score: 28 | Parent rating: 9.0/10
Eanes Independent School District (EISD) is a public school district that serves about 7,800 students in grades PreK-12 in Austin, Texas. The district was established in 1958 and covers 11.7 square miles of land, including the city of West Lake Hills, most of Rollingwood, and parts of Austin. EISD has nine schools: six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. All nine schools are rated Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency, and the district is ranked among the top districts in the state and the nation by various organizations.
EISD offers a comprehensive curriculum and a variety of enrichment opportunities to its students, such as 1:1 mobile device program, film festival, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and special education services. EISD is committed to meeting each student's needs and providing excellence in education.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many excellent school districts in the USA offer a variety of benefits for students and families. Whether you are looking for a school district that has a strong reputation for academic achievement, a diverse and inclusive environment, or a rich array of extracurricular activities, you can find it among the top 10 best school districts in the USA. These school districts have proven their commitment to providing a well-rounded education that fosters lifelong learning and success.
If you are interested in enrolling your children in one of these school districts, we encourage you to visit their websites and learn more about their programs, policies, and admissions process. We hope this list has helped you find the best school district for your children's needs and goals.
Watch more: 2023 Best Public School Districts in America