Arizona, Texas and New Mexico Rank Low in Education

If you're looking for your child to get the best education possible, I have some bad news for those of you who live in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico.

I'm sure one of the most important issues for many parents across the nation is their child's education- however, not all public education is created equally. In a new study by Consumer Affairs, they ranked the best states for public education.

They ranked all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., across four key categories: K-12 performance, school funding and resources, higher education quality and safety. These rankings identify the best states for public education in 2024.

Arizona came in dead last at 51, New Mexico ranked at number 49, and Texas ranked at number 40.

Arizona and New Mexico shared some similarities that may contribute to their placement. For example, these states have relatively low average teacher salaries and low math and reading test scores among fourth graders and eighth graders.

The study also found that New Mexico and Arizona, spent less on K-12 students. Students in both of these states also had the lowest average SAT score and scored the lowest on all four proficiency tests included in the data. Arizona had consistently low scores across the board and was at the bottom in pupil-to-teacher ratio, earning the distinction of having the most crowded public school classrooms in America.

It's no secret that teacher's salary is unbelievable low, and they are definitely overworked- especially in Texas. But there are certainly teachers in these states that are dedicated and passionate about education- that will enrich your children's education.

Experts tell Consumer Affairs that it's important for parents to take an active role in their children's education as well and to ask questions like what programs are on the chopping block, whether the school's class size will shift and whether there are enough teachers.

You can check out the entire study here.