States With the Best and Worst Schools

1. Massachusetts
> High school graduation rate: 88.3% (tied — 12th highest)
> Public school spending: $16,197 per pupil (7th highest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 58.4% (4th highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 47.4% math; 44.7% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 44.5% (the highest)

2. New Jersey
> High school graduation rate: 90.5% (2nd highest)
> Public school spending: $18,920 per pupil (3rd highest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 62.1% (the highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 44.1% math; 42.9% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 40.8% (3rd highest)

3. Connecticut
> High school graduation rate: 87.9% (15th highest)
> Public school spending: $19,322 per pupil (2nd highest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 61.7% (3rd highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 39.2% math; 41.0% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 39.6% (5th highest)

4. New Hampshire
> High school graduation rate: 88.9% (10th highest)
> Public school spending: $15,683 per pupil (10th highest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 57.6% (5th highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 38.5% math; 37.7% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 36.8% (9th highest)

5. Vermont
> High school graduation rate: 89.1% (tied — 8th highest)
> Public school spending: $18,290 per pupil (4th highest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 61.7% (2nd highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 38.3% math; 40.2% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 38.7% (7th highest)