The 2026 Best K-8 Schools rankings highlight nearly 47,000 elementary schools and more than 23,000 middle schools across the United States. Out of 81,046 public schools serving elementary and/or middle school grades, 64,915 or 80% were included in the rankings, with 5,411 schools appearing on both the elementary and middle school lists.
Rankings are provided at both the state and district levels, though no national ranking is assigned. Schools are evaluated based on four equally weighted factors: math proficiency, math performance, reading proficiency, and reading performance each contributing 25% to the overall score.
Overview of the 2026 K-8 School Rankings
The 2026 rankings include 46,998 elementary schools and 23,328 middle schools nationwide. Out of 81,046 public schools serving elementary and/or middle school grades, 64,915 or 80% were ranked. Interestingly, 5,411 schools appeared on both elementary and middle school lists.
Unlike high school rankings, K-8 schools are ranked at the state and district level, rather than nationally. Schools are evaluated on four primary metrics, each accounting for 25% of the ranking score:
- Math proficiency
- Math performance
- Reading proficiency
- Reading performance
For 2026, a total of 46,998 elementary schools and 23,328 middle schools received rankings. When combined with 17,908 public high schools ranked for 2025–2026, U.S. News has assigned 88,234 state-level rankings across elementary, middle, and high schools. The K-12 directory now lists 127,538 schools, including 105,193 public schools and 22,345 private schools.
The methodology is consistent across all grade levels. Schools were assessed based on the percentage of students performing at or above proficiency in state reading/language arts and math assessments. Half of the ranking formula reflects raw test scores, while the other half adjusts for socioeconomic factors, ensuring a fair evaluation of schools in diverse communities. Top-ranked schools demonstrate strong academic achievement and success in educating all their students.
Elementary and middle school rankings are based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education, primarily the Common Core of Data. For district-level recognition, at least two high-performing schools must rank in the top 75% of overall elementary or middle school rankings. U.S. News first introduced K-8 school rankings in the 2022 edition, which evaluated approximately 80,000 public elementary and middle schools nationwide.
How the Rankings Are Calculated
The methodology for ranking K-8 schools is consistent across elementary and middle school levels. Schools are assessed based on state assessment data for reading/language arts and math.
The formula used considers two key aspects:
- Raw student performance: The percentage of students achieving at or above proficiency in state assessments.
- Socioeconomic context: Scores are adjusted for demographics to provide a fair evaluation of schools in diverse communities.
District-Level Rankings: What You Should Know
For a school district to be recognized in the rankings, at least two schools must rank in the top 75% of their respective elementary or middle school lists. This ensures that district-level rankings reflect consistent academic performance across multiple schools, rather than a single outlier.
District rankings are especially helpful for families considering relocation or evaluating local school systems, as they provide insight into a region’s overall educational quality.
The History of K-8 School Rankings
U.S. News introduced K-8 school rankings in the 2022 edition, which included data on approximately 80,000 public elementary and middle schools. Since then, the rankings have grown in scope and influence, helping parents, caregivers, and educators understand trends in K-8 education nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Top K-8 Schools of 2026?
The Top K-8 Schools of 2026 are ranked elementary and middle schools recognized for high academic performance in math and reading, factoring in both proficiency and performance scores.
How many K-8 schools were ranked in 2026?
In 2026, nearly 47,000 elementary schools and 23,000 middle schools were ranked across the United States, covering 80% of public schools serving K-8 grades.
How are K-8 schools ranked?
Schools are ranked based on four equally weighted metrics: math proficiency, math performance, reading proficiency, and reading performance, with additional adjustments for socioeconomic factors.
Are the rankings national or state-based?
K-8 school rankings are state and district-based, rather than national. District rankings require at least two schools to be in the top 75% of their respective elementary or middle school lists.
How can parents use these rankings?
Parents can use the rankings to evaluate school quality, compare districts, and identify high-achieving schools. Rankings should be combined with visits, teacher feedback, and consideration of a child’s individual needs.
Where does the ranking data come from?
The rankings use publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education, primarily the Common Core of Data, including standardized test results and demographic context.
Conclusion
The Top K-8 Schools of 2026 rankings provide an essential resource for parents, educators, and communities seeking high-quality education options. Highlighting nearly 47,000 elementary schools and over 23,000 middle schools, these rankings showcase schools that excel in both academic achievement and student success across diverse backgrounds.
While rankings offer valuable insights into math and reading proficiency and performance, they are just one part of the decision-making process. Families should consider additional factors such as school culture, extracurricular opportunities, and their child’s unique strengths and needs.