The Rating Scale
9–10
9–10 / 10 — Great
Top-tier districts nationally. Strong enrollment, above-average per-pupil spending, broad grade coverage (Pre-K through 12th). These districts consistently perform above national benchmarks on available metrics.
7–8
7–8 / 10 — Good
Above-average districts. Solid enrollment stability, near or above national average spending, full grade span. A good choice for families prioritizing school quality.
5–6
5–6 / 10 — Average
Districts performing near national averages. Adequate resources and coverage. The majority of US districts fall in this range.
1–4
1–4 / 10 — Below Average
Districts with limited resources, lower per-pupil spending, smaller enrollment, or limited grade coverage. Does not necessarily mean poor educational outcomes — many factors affect school quality beyond these metrics.
What Data Goes Into Each Rating?
Ratings are calculated using the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD), the most comprehensive public school database in the United States, covering the 2024–2025 school year. Four primary metrics are combined into a composite score:
1. Student Enrollment
Total student count relative to the national district average (~3,700 students). Larger, stable enrollment suggests an established district with sustained community investment. Very small districts may have limited program offerings.
2. Per-Pupil Expenditure
Annual spending per student, compared to the national average (~$13,700). Higher spending generally correlates with more staff, programs, and facilities — though it is not a direct measure of outcomes.
3. Number of Operational Schools
How many schools the district operates. More schools typically means more specialized options (magnet programs, alternative schools, career pathways).
4. Grade Span
Whether the district serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Full-span districts offer continuity; specialist or charter-focused districts may have narrower spans.
Important Limitations
Our ratings are a starting point, not a final verdict. They reflect publicly available administrative data — not test scores, graduation rates, teacher quality, or parent satisfaction. A district with a 4/10 rating may have exceptional teachers and strong community support. A 9/10 district may not be the right fit for every student.
Always supplement our ratings with local research: visit district websites, attend school board meetings, talk to parents in the area, and contact the district office directly.
Data Source & Update Schedule
Data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data. We update our database annually as new CCD releases become available, typically each fall for the prior school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the same ratings as GreatSchools or Niche? ▼
No. GreatSchools and Niche use test score data, parent reviews, and other proprietary inputs. Our ratings are based solely on NCES administrative data (enrollment, spending, school count, grade span) and are intended as a quick reference for comparing districts on publicly available metrics.
Why does my district have a low rating? ▼
Lower ratings typically reflect smaller enrollment, lower per-pupil spending, or limited grade span — not necessarily poor educational quality. Rural districts, specialized charter districts, and districts in lower-income areas often score lower on these administrative metrics while delivering strong educational outcomes. Use our rating as one data point among many.
How often are ratings updated? ▼
We update annually when NCES releases new CCD data, typically each fall covering the prior school year. The current data covers 2024–2025.
Can I report an error in a district's data? ▼
Yes — please use our
contact page to report any inaccuracies. We'll review against the NCES source data and correct if needed.