Overview

California's public schools have recently been ranked 8th in the nation according to a 2026 survey conducted by World Population Review. This ranking highlights the state's educational performance amidst its status as the most populous state and the fourth largest economy globally.

The survey evaluated various metrics, including graduation rates, test scores, and teacher salaries, which are crucial indicators of school quality and effectiveness.

Key details

  • California ranks 8th nationally for public schools according to World Population Review.
  • The ranking considers metrics across K-12 performance, school funding, quality of higher education, and school safety.
  • Key metrics influencing California's ranking include graduation rates, test scores, student expenditures, teacher qualifications, and college graduation rates.
  • The state is ranked #2 in the nation for the quality of higher education.
  • California is the only state west of the Mississippi to feature in the top 10 for public schools.
  • New York holds the top position for public schools and has the highest per-student spending.
  • According to the National Education Association, California teachers earn an average salary of $103,552, surpassing the national average of $74,495.
  • Teacher salaries in California increased by 2.4% from the 2023/2024 to the 2024/2025 school year, which is lower than the national average increase of 3.5%.
  • Per-student expenditure in California for the 2024/2025 school year is $20,898, marking a 6.67% increase from the previous year.
  • This expenditure ranks California #16 among all 50 states, with the national average being $17,840 per student.
  • New York's per-student expenditure for the same year was the highest at $32,370.
  • School performance can significantly affect family relocation choices, property values, and tax considerations.

Context

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, these rankings serve as a critical measure of how well states are performing in terms of education quality and funding, which can impact various socio-economic factors.

What happens next

With California's public schools ranked 8th, stakeholders may focus on maintaining and improving educational standards, funding, and teacher compensation to ensure continued success in future rankings.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific methodologies used in the ranking, the full list of states ranked below California, and the implications of these rankings on future educational policies are not confirmed.