Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for rankings? Start here: US School Search Index · Browse States · Browse Cities

Quick Rankings Hub (States + Cities)

Popular entry points for searches like “best public schools in America”, “best high schools in the U.S.”, and “education rankings by state”.

Explore all states →Explore all cities →US School Search Index →Example: State school rankings →

Where can I find 2026 school and district rankings?

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Start with our US School Search Index to browse every state, then jump into state pages or city pages for best schools, top school districts, school ratings, school rankings, and school grading.

How do you identify the best public schools in America?

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“Best” usually depends on achievement, growth, equity, and readiness. Use the state index to open Best Schools and Top Districts pages for any state, or browse by city to compare local options.Tip: For broad searches like “best public schools in America”, start broad (state) then narrow to a city.

Where can I research the best high schools in the U.S.?

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Start with your state’s ranking-style pages (ratings, rankings, grading), then use city-level pages for local context. Begin at Browse by State or Browse by City.

How do I find the best middle schools in the U.S.?

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Compare ratings and rankings at the state level first, then refine by city for local options and district context. If you’re moving, start with the US School Search Index.

How do I find the best elementary schools in the U.S.?

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Start with your state pages and then explore your city pages for school ratings, rankings, and district info.

How can I find school ratings near me?

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Choose your state in the US School Search Index and then use the city index to compare ratings, rankings, and district coverage.

Can I search school ratings by ZIP code?

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ZIP codes can overlap multiple attendance zones. It’s best to start with your city and compare options in context. For statewide views, use the state index.

How do I find the public school for my address?

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Public schools are typically tied to address-based attendance zones. Start from the US School Search Index and narrow by state and city to compare nearby options and district context.

Where can I find the best school districts in the U.S.?

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Use state pages and open Top Districts for that state (example: California Top Districts). Then drill into city pages for local comparisons.

How does mySchoolHives compare to GreatSchools ratings and rankings?

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Many families compare multiple sources (including GreatSchools) to cross-check school performance. mySchoolHives helps you browse by state and city so you can connect “ratings” and “rankings” searches to the real districts and neighborhoods you’re considering.Note: “GreatSchools” is a third-party brand name used here for comparison purposes only.

What do school grades (A–F) and school performance ratings mean?

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“School grades” often summarize multiple performance indicators (achievement, growth, graduation, readiness, and equity). Use state grading pages and city pages to compare context across districts and neighborhoods.

Do you have rankings: education — states?

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Yes — use our state index to explore “rankings-style” pages per state:

Best Schools Top Districts School Ranking School Rating School Grading

What does “public school in the USA” mean for families moving?

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Public schools in the USA are typically assigned by address (school zones), but options like magnets, charters, and open enrollment vary by district. To start, use the US index and then explore your state pages for ratings/rankings and district context.

Are there IB or ESL programs in my city?

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Many districts offer IB and ESL programs. Use the city index to explore school performance pages and compare local options.

Can my kids attend public school if we are moving from overseas?

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In most cases, children can enroll in local public schools based on residency. Requirements vary by district, so start with your state and review district policies.