Best School Districts in America 2026
Published March 15, 2026 · NCES / EDFacts data
Individual school ratings get the most attention, but the district matters just as much. Your child will likely attend 2-3 schools within the same district, so consistent quality across the district is crucial. Here are the 50 best districts based on average DataScore across all schools.
Top 50 School Districts by DataScore
| Rank | District | State | Schools | Avg DataScore | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Canaan School District | CT | 5 | 67/100 | B |
| 2 | Morris County Vocational School District | NJ | 6 | 67/100 | B |
| 3 | Dumont Public School District | NJ | 5 | 66/100 | B |
| 4 | Freehold Regional High School District | NJ | 6 | 66/100 | B |
What Top Districts Have in Common
- Consistent quality across levels — top districts perform well at elementary, middle, and high school, not just one level
- Strong growth trends — even top districts continue to improve year over year
- Teacher retention — districts with lower teacher turnover tend to have higher and more stable DataScores
- Equitable outcomes — the best districts show smaller gaps between their highest and lowest performing schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best school district in America?
New Canaan School District in CT ranks #1 with an average DataScore of 67/100 across 5 schools.
How are school districts ranked?
Districts are ranked by the average DataScore of all schools in the district. Only districts with 5 or more schools are included to ensure statistical reliability. The DataScore measures academic proficiency, growth trends, graduation rates, and resource access.
Is a good district better than a good individual school?
A strong district provides consistency — your child will likely attend multiple schools within the district (elementary, middle, high), so district-level quality matters for long-term outcomes. However, exceptional individual schools exist in otherwise average districts.