GA among states with worst schools in the US, new study says. Where it ranks & why

If you’re curious about how Georgia schools stack up against schools in other states, a recent study by WalletHub may be your best resource.

WalletHub found which states have the best and worst school systems based on safety and quality scores, under metrics such as drop-out rates, testing scores, pupil-to-teacher ratios, injuries and accidents, technology and more. WalletHub experts gave each state a score, then ranked each state from best to worst.

So, how did Georgia do? Let’s take a look:

How Georgia scored

Georgia was ranked at number 38, which is 14th worst overall. Here’s why:

Georgia’s overall score was a 46.05 because of low scores in the safety and quality categories. Specifically, Georgia school systems struggle with spending, test scores, low spending and having a “weak school system,” as stated in the study.

“Getting enough funding is essential for a productive school system, but simply having more money doesn’t guarantee success,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “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.”

However, according to the Georgia Department of Education, Georgia’s school systems aren’t all bad:

“A total of 115 Georgia school districts recorded graduation rates at or above 90% and 44 districts recorded rates at or above 95%. Georgia’s statewide graduation rate has increased by 18 percentage points since 2011.”

The Department of Education also noted Georgia’s high scores in reading and writing.

So, what about neighboring states and other southern states?

WalletHub ranked Alabama 43rd, South Carolina at 41, Tennessee at 26, Florida at 21 and Mississippi at 40.

Which states have the best school systems?

WalletHub found that these states have the best school systems, with high scores in testing, teachers and technology:

• Massachusetts 
• Connecticut 
• New Jersey 
• Virginia 
• New Hampshire 
• Wisconsin 
• Rhode Island 
• Indiana
• Maryland 
• New York

Which states have the worst school systems?

These states have the worst school systems because of their drop-out rates, low test scores and injuries at school:

• New Mexico 
• Oklahoma
• Alaska 
• Arizona 
• Oregon
• Nevada
• West Virginia
• Louisiana 
• Alabama 
• Hawaii

What do you think of this study? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.