Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Louisiana has reached a new milestone in education, achieving its highest-ever ranking in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best States assessment for Pre–K–12 education. The state now holds the 37th position nationwide, rising from 40th in the previous year and marking its third straight year of upward movement in national education standings.
The Best States rankings evaluate several education indicators, including standardized test scores from The Nation’s Report Card, preschool access, high school graduation rates, and college readiness. The Nation’s Report Card, officially known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), is a national exam that measures student performance in core subjects such as reading and math, primarily in 4th and 8th grades.
State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley attributed the improvement to a strategic focus on evidence-based instruction, enhanced classroom support, and statewide educational initiatives. “Louisiana is the most rapidly improving state in the country when it comes to education,” Brumley said. “These consistent national gains are the result of intentional strategy, focused instruction, and the hard work of educators, students, and parents across our state.”
Sustained Academic Progress
This year’s ranking continues a pattern of academic achievement for Louisiana. Last year, the state achieved what was then its highest standing on the report. Two years ago, Louisiana made a notable leap, moving from 46th to 41st place.
Recent educational reforms have played a key role in this progress. The state has implemented the Science of Reading—a research-based approach to literacy instruction—refreshed its foundational math curriculum, and increased access to high-dosage tutoring for students requiring extra academic support. Efforts to elevate the teaching profession and expand educational options for families have also contributed to the upward trend.
National Recognition for Louisiana’s Academic Gains
Louisiana’s progress has been recognized in several national reports released this year:
- In January, Louisiana students posted their highest-ever rankings on The Nation’s Report Card, reflecting strong performance across 4th and 8th grade reading and math.
- The state’s overall average ranking is now 32nd, up from 49th in 2019.
- In 4th grade reading, Louisiana improved dramatically from 50th in 2019 to 16th in 2024.
- In 4th grade math, the ranking rose from 50th to 38th.
- In 8th grade reading, the state advanced from 45th to 29th.
- In 8th grade math, Louisiana climbed from 49th to 43rd.
- Louisiana’s 4th graders led the nation in reading growth for the second consecutive assessment cycle and ranked in the top five for math growth.
- Eighth-grade math scores also improved, positioning Louisiana among just 14 states that reported gains in this area.
- Notably, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outperformed the national average in both achievement and growth.
- In February, the Education Recovery Scorecard—a collaboration between Harvard and Stanford—ranked Louisiana first in the nation for reading recovery and second for math.
- The report also identified Louisiana as the only state where the average student has fully recovered academically from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
While Louisiana still faces challenges compared to higher-ranked states, the data suggest a positive trajectory. The state’s experience may serve as a model for other states seeking to design effective, scalable solutions to improve Pre-K–12 education.