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Public schooling is best in these US cities

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. public-schooling-is-best-in-these-us-cities.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 12:14 GMT by WSB-TV
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1. The Criteria That Define “Best”

The WSB TV article begins by clarifying its criteria. Using the 2023 “Top Public Schools” list from GreatSchools.org as a baseline, the story cross‑references data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best High Schools” rankings. The primary factors include:

1. Student‑teacher ratios that allow for personalized instruction.
2. High graduation and college‑enrollment rates.
3. Standardized test performance (SAT, ACT, state assessments).
4. Equity indicators—percent of students receiving free or reduced lunch and the performance gap between low‑income students and their peers.
5. Diversity and inclusivity metrics, covering racial/ethnic representation and support for English‑language learners.

The article stresses that no single metric can capture a city’s entire public‑school ecosystem; instead, a composite score offers a more balanced view.

2. The Top Ten Cities

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston tops the list thanks to a combination of high academic standards and robust funding. The Boston Public Schools (BPS) district boasts a student‑teacher ratio of 12:1 and a graduation rate above 90%. The city’s “Boys & Girls” network of charter schools supplements traditional schools, giving families more choice.

2. Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s public schools consistently earn high marks in both state assessments and national rankings. The city’s investment in STEM labs, as well as a strong partnership with local colleges like the University of Washington, provides students with real‑world learning opportunities.

3. San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s public‑school system is noted for its high per‑student spending and strong college‑preparatory curriculum. The district’s “Accelerated Learning Initiative” focuses on advanced placement courses for low‑income students, narrowing the achievement gap.

4. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is praised for its integrated district‑wide initiatives that tackle both academic and social needs. The city’s “Safe Schools” program—funded by a mix of state grants and private donations—ensures that classrooms are secure and conducive to learning.

5. Austin, Texas

Austin’s public schools benefit from a rapidly growing tech economy that fuels investments in digital learning tools. The district has also expanded its early‑learning programs, contributing to a 95% 4th‑grade reading proficiency rate.

6. Denver, Colorado

Denver’s schools emphasize outdoor education and community service. The district’s partnership with the Denver Public Library has increased reading engagement among high‑school seniors.

7. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh’s public‑school performance is buoyed by the “Raleigh Academy” initiative, which partners with local universities to offer dual‑enrollment opportunities to high‑school students.

8. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte’s investment in teacher professional development has led to a 98% teacher‑retention rate, and the district’s “Charlotte Success Plan” focuses on early‑childhood education.

9. Washington, D.C.

Despite facing long‑standing challenges, Washington, D.C.’s public schools have seen a steady rise in graduation rates, especially after the implementation of the “D.C. Charter School Initiative,” which has brought higher‑quality education to underserved neighborhoods.

10. San Diego, California

San Diego’s public schools are noted for their bilingual programs, which help close the language proficiency gap. The city also supports “Community Mentorship” programs that pair students with local professionals.

3. The Bigger Picture: Funding, Equity, and Outcomes

The article goes beyond the numbers, offering a deeper analysis of what makes these cities successful. Funding emerges as a recurring theme—cities that allocate more per‑student resources tend to have better outcomes. But funding alone isn’t enough; equity initiatives play a crucial role. The WSB piece cites the “Equity Score” from GreatSchools, noting that cities with lower gaps between high‑income and low‑income students consistently rank higher in overall performance.

Additionally, the article highlights the importance of community engagement. In cities like Minneapolis and Seattle, community‑based advisory boards actively shape curriculum decisions, ensuring that local needs are met. This collaboration is mirrored in the “School‑Community Partnerships” reported by the NCES.

4. Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context

The original WSB TV article included several hyperlinks that expand on the discussion:

1. GreatSchools.org “Top Public Schools” (2023) – A detailed breakdown of each city’s top schools and their performance metrics.
2. NCES Data Explorer – Interactive tables showing student‑teacher ratios, graduation rates, and spending per student for each district.
3. U.S. News “Best High Schools” Rankings – Provides a national context for the cities’ standings.
4. “Public School Funding in the United States” (U.S. Department of Education) – Offers background on how state and federal funds are distributed.

These resources confirm the article’s findings and provide readers with the data to conduct their own comparative analysis. For instance, the NCES tables show that Boston’s per‑student spending averages $12,000—roughly 20% higher than the national average—while Seattle’s student‑teacher ratio of 13:1 is better than the U.S. average of 16:1.

5. Final Takeaway

The WSB TV feature underscores a key lesson for policymakers, parents, and educators: public‑school excellence is the product of intentional investment, equity‑focused policies, and community involvement. While these ten cities lead the pack, the underlying principles they share can guide other districts aiming to improve outcomes. By investing wisely, fostering inclusive environments, and maintaining close ties between schools and their communities, public education can continue to thrive across the nation.