States With the Best and Worst Schools

26. Missouri
> High school graduation rate: 88.3% (tied — 12th highest)
> Public school spending: $10,589 per pupil (19th lowest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 47.0% (16th highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 31.6% math; 33.3% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 29.5% (18th lowest)

27. South Dakota
> High school graduation rate: 83.7% (20th lowest)
> Public school spending: $9,939 per pupil (14th lowest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 37.8% (9th lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 39.4% math; 31.9% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 29.2% (17th lowest)

28. Rhode Island
> High school graduation rate: 84.1% (22nd lowest)
> Public school spending: $15,943 per pupil (8th highest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 33.9% (the lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 29.5% math; 35.0% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 34.4% (14th highest)

29. Kentucky
> High school graduation rate: 89.7% (tied — 4th highest)
> Public school spending: $10,121 per pupil (17th lowest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 42.7% (18th lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 29.0% math; 33.4% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 24.8% (5th lowest)

30. Kansas
> High school graduation rate: 86.5% (24th highest)
> Public school spending: $10,961 per pupil (21st lowest)
> 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.8% (19th highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 32.9% math; 32.3% reading
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 33.8% (17th highest)