U.S. News Releases 2026-2027 Best High Schools Rankings, Spotlighting Charter and STEM Dominance
Event summary
- U.S. News & World Report ranked 18,000 of 27,000 eligible public high schools for 2026-2027, using 2023-2024 data.
- Massachusetts led with 47% of its high schools in the top national quarter, followed by New Jersey (44%) and Maryland (43%).
- Charter schools claimed 23% of the top 100 spots, with Arizona's BASIS network placing 12 campuses in the national top 100.
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, had 60% of its ranked schools in the top 25% nationally, the highest among metro areas.
The big picture
U.S. News' rankings underscore the growing influence of charter and STEM-focused schools in U.S. education, reflecting broader trends toward specialized, performance-driven learning models. The data highlights regional disparities, with certain states and metro areas consistently outperforming others, raising questions about resource allocation and policy interventions. The rankings also serve as a critical tool for families navigating an increasingly complex education landscape.
What we're watching
- Charter School Momentum
- Whether charter schools can sustain their dominance in national rankings amid policy debates over funding and equity.
- STEM Education Growth
- How states like California and New Jersey will leverage their STEM school networks to attract students and funding.
- Regional Education Disparities
- The pace at which high-performing metro areas like San Jose and McAllen can replicate their success in other regions.