WalletHub has released its annual list of States with the Best & Worst School Systems for 2025.
This year the personal finance website study revealed a more comprehensive approach to their study by analyzing schools performance, funding, safety, class size and instructor credentials to determine the top-performing school systems in America and the District of Columbia.
All children learn differently. And it takes more than a good school to secure your child’s education.
“Getting enough funding is essential for a productive school system, but simply having more money doesn’t guarantee success. 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,” Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst said.
Out of all school systems studies in the report, New Jersey ranked among the top-performing school systems in America for 2025.
New Jersey schools make the grade
With and overall score of 63.81 out of 80, the Garden state ranks as the third-best school systems in the country.
And here’s why:
New Jersey has a dedicated digital learning plan that supports technology integration in education.
New Jersey has the second-best reading test scores and fifth-best math scores for both fourth and eighth graders. It also has the second-highest share of students scoring at least a three on AP exams.
The state has the seventh highest pupil-to-teacher ratio in the nation, highlighting the importance of accessible digital resources for students.
New Jersey has the third-best share of public schools that rank in the top 700 nationwide, at around 8.6%.
States with the best school systems
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Where NJ ranks in WalletHub’s Top School Systems in America 2025