What state is currently ranked #1 in education in the United States?

I’m planning to relocate my family and want the best education opportunities for my kids, so I’ve been comparing state education rankings. I know these assessments are based on factors like graduation rates, test scores, funding, and teacher quality. After reviewing multiple sources, I found some conflicting information, so I’m trying to find the most up-to-date authoritative ranking. Could you tell me which state is currently ranked #1 in education in the United States for the 2023-2024 school year according to the latest comprehensive report from a credible organization like U.S. News & World Report or Education Week?

According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Massachusetts is currently ranked #1 in education in the United States. Massachusetts achieved this position based on its strong performance across key metrics:

• K-12 Education: High proficiency rates in reading and mathematics (ranked 2nd nationally), a high high school graduation rate (88.9%), and significant per-pupil funding ($16,517 per student).
• Higher Education: Home to top-tier institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with a high percentage of adults (57%) holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Overall Equity: Consistent performance in closing achievement gaps between socioeconomic groups and effective policy implementations, such as teacher qualification standards and data-driven curriculum reforms.

This ranking underscores Massachusetts’ long-standing emphasis on education, supported by historically high standardized test scores, rigorous academic standards, and sustained funding. Other states like Connecticut and New Jersey consistently rank highly but remain below Massachusetts in comprehensive assessments.