The search for the best public schools in America has led to the suburbs, according to Niche’s annual study. Topping the list of the 2024 Places with the Best Public Schools in America is Scarsdale, a suburb of New York City, known for its A+ grades in public schools and family-friendliness. However, living in Scarsdale comes with a hefty price tag, with the average home value at $1.61 million.
In second place is West Lake Hills, a Texas suburb outside of Austin, known for its rural feel and top-notch public schools. While it received C+ grades for diversity and cost of living, West Lake Hills excelled in family friendliness, jobs, and health & fitness.
The top 20 places with the best public schools in the U.S. include suburbs of major cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. These communities offer residents a high quality of education and family-friendly environments.
The study comes at a time when American schools are still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis found that there were an estimated 50,000 students missing from U.S. schools, with many experiencing challenges such as homelessness, loss of motivation, or mental health struggles.
Despite improvements in fall 2022 compared to the previous year, there is still lasting disengagement from public schools, with more families turning to private or homeschooling options. The shift in enrollment patterns highlights the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the education system.
As families continue to prioritize quality education for their children, the search for the best public schools in America remains a top priority for many.