Florida Ranked in the Top 12 States with the Best School System

A popular consumer advice website released a report on the best and worst school systems, and Florida ranked among the top 12.

According to WalletHub.com’s study, the top states with the best school systems were Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Florida came in at number 11. States with the worst school systems were New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Alaska, and Louisiana.

WalletHub touted its analysis as a more comprehensive approach compared to other education studies. Metrics focused on academic outcomes or school finance, performance, funding, safety, class size, and instructor credentials.

“Getting enough funding is essential for a productive school system, but simply having more money doesn’t guarantee success,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst. “How funds are applied also plays a big role in how good a school system is, as does the quality of educators, other professionals, and the curriculum. In addition, schools need to focus not just on test scores but also on making sure that students feel safe, comfortable and cared for.”

The study showed that public education spending in the U.S. is reaching over $16,000 per pupil each year. Based on that average, WalletHub analyzed the impact on the pupil-teacher ratio, and dropout rate to median standardized-test scores.

WalletHub found that getting enough funding is essential for a productive school system, but simply having more money doesn’t guarantee success.

“The funds are applied also plays a big role in how good a school system is, as does the quality of educators, other professionals and the curriculum. In addition, schools need to focus not just on test scores but also on making sure that students feel safe, comfortable and cared for,” the study said.

Another area the study found was states like Florida were doing well among certain factors and did it without raising taxes like other states.