This is the main reason U.S. News ranks Florida first in education.
Did U.S. News & World Report give Florida all A’s in its current report? Sort of.
The U.S. News ranked all 50 states using 71 variables across eight categories to determine the greatest places to live, according to a recent article by Samantha Neely of Naples Daily News.
Florida again featured in the top ten best states to live in, succeeding in “Education” for the second year. U.S. News included higher education and pre-K–12 metrics when ranking states for education.
“The quality of a community’s schools can be central to a family’s aspirations,” U.S. News says. “And though public education has largely been a local matter for school boards and states that allocate most of schools’ funding, the federal government has played a large role for the past several decades.”
Why is Florida the best state for education?
Florida led education among the 50 states. It rose to the ninth-greatest state to live in from last year.
U.S. News ranked the state’s higher education top in its subcategory. It measures the percentage of state residents with college degrees, college graduation rates, in-state tuition and fees, and college graduates’ debt.
“With several large cities, the state has a sizable system of state universities and community colleges. Florida State University in Tallahassee, University of South Florida in Tampa, University of Central Florida in Orlando, and Florida International University in Miami have competed for enrollment. Famous private university: University of Miami.”
For Pre-K-12th grades, the state placed 10th. This subcategory analyzes state performance in preschool enrollment, eighth-grade standardized test scores, high school graduation rate, and college preparedness.
It says that the state’s high school graduation rate is 87.3%, greater than the nation’s 85.9%.
DeSantis’ proposal not in 2024 ranking, U.S. News says.
After analyzing the statistics, U.S. News discussed Florida education and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “woke politics” in schools.
DeSantis’ “Make America Florida” didn’t pander to other states in education, but the state scores well. According to the percentage of 12th-graders who received high scores on the SAT, ACT, or both, Florida was the top state for pre-K through high school college readiness.
However, critics say DeSantis’ actions could have long-term implications for education and its participants.
What have Florida officials said about the ranking?
A news statement from the Florida Department of Education emphasized the ranking.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida again ranks number one in education,” stated Diaz, Jr. Florida leads by focusing on key academic areas and classroom excellence.”
DeSantis commented on Florida’s education while signing HB 1285 in April, which will make it easier for underperforming schools to become charter schools.
In Pensacola, DeSantis promotes HB 1285, which limits activists’ school book challenges.
“Florida is the No. 1 state for education,” DeSantis stated. By focusing on fundamental academic subjects and eschewing classroom indoctrination, we have set a high standard for education. I signed legislation today that builds on Florida’s past successes.”
Other categories: How did Florida rank?
The other Florida individual rankings were:
- Economy – 1
- Crime & Corrections – 13
- Natural Environment – 13
- Fiscal Stability – 20
- Infrastructure – 20
- Health Care – 26
- Opportunity – 45
Which ten states offer the greatest educational opportunities in the nation?
These states adopt Florida’s educational model:
- Florida
- Utah
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Colorado
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Connecticut
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
Which state in the union offers the “worst” education?
With last place results for Pre-K through 12 and 21st place results for higher education, New Mexico ranked 50th in the nation for total education.
Although there aren’t many four-year universities in New Mexico—roughly a dozen—the ranking points out that the University of New Mexico, located in Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, is home to one of the biggest employers and universities in the state.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News