U.S. States Ranked by Student Performance in Math and Reading Assessments
Unveiling America's Academic Landscape: A State-by-State Report Card
Understanding the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, widely recognized as "The Nation's Report Card," serves as a benchmark for evaluating student knowledge across the United States. This federal program, administered by the National Assessment Governing Board, conducts assessments every two years for public school students in both fourth and eighth grades, providing a standardized measure of their abilities in core subjects.
Methodology for State Rankings in Academic Performance
The latest data, released in January 2025, presents average scale scores for math and reading assessments, ranging from 0 to 500, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. Recognizing that direct comparisons between different grades and subjects are not appropriate, this analysis separately ranked each state across four distinct assessment categories: fourth-grade reading, eighth-grade reading, fourth-grade math, and eighth-grade math. These individual rankings were then averaged to create an overall performance hierarchy for all states.
Top Performers and Disparities in Educational Outcomes
Massachusetts distinguished itself by achieving the highest scores in all four assessment areas, underscoring its leading position in educational attainment. This aligns with previous findings, such as a WalletHub report that identified Massachusetts as the most educated state. However, the analysis also reveals notable disparities, exemplified by Vermont, which ranked second in a separate education performance metric but stood at a more modest 32nd place in this assessment of average scores. These variations highlight the complex nature of educational success and the diverse challenges faced by states.
New Mexico: Starting Point on the Academic Spectrum
New Mexico is positioned at number 50 in the overall state rankings for student academic achievement. Its fourth-grade math average scale score was 224, while eighth-grade math stood at 256. For reading, fourth-graders achieved an average score of 201, and eighth-graders, 245.
Alaska: Navigating Educational Challenges
Alaska holds the 49th position in the comprehensive state ranking. Students in Alaska recorded an average scale score of 226 for fourth-grade math and 264 for eighth-grade math. In reading assessments, the average scores were 202 for fourth grade and 246 for eighth grade.
West Virginia: Educational Progress Insights
West Virginia is ranked 48th among the states in terms of student test performance. The state's average scores were 232 for fourth-grade math and 261 for eighth-grade math. For reading, students achieved an average of 206 in fourth grade and 247 in eighth grade.
Oklahoma: Performance Overview in Core Subjects
Oklahoma's educational performance places it at the 47th spot in the state rankings. Students in Oklahoma achieved average scale scores of 233 in fourth-grade math and 264 in eighth-grade math. Their reading scores averaged 207 for fourth grade and 249 for eighth grade.
Delaware: Academic Standing and Achievement Levels
Delaware is ranked 46th in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for Delaware students were 233 in fourth grade and 263 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 210 for fourth grade and 249 for eighth grade.
Oregon: Snapshot of Student Proficiency
Oregon occupies the 45th position in the statewide academic performance list. Fourth-grade math scores in Oregon averaged 229, while eighth-grade math scores reached 268. For reading, students scored an average of 207 in fourth grade and 255 in eighth grade.
Arkansas: Examining Educational Metrics
Arkansas is ranked 44th in the overall state performance evaluation. The state's average math scale scores were 230 for fourth grade and 266 for eighth grade. In reading, fourth-grade students averaged 210, and eighth-grade students averaged 255.
Arizona: Analyzing Academic Performance
Arizona's educational performance places it at the 43rd position in the state rankings. Students in Arizona had average math scale scores of 232 in fourth grade and 270 in eighth grade. Their reading scores averaged 208 for fourth grade and 254 for eighth grade.
Nevada: Review of Student Test Results
Nevada is positioned 42nd in the comprehensive list of states by academic achievement. The average math scores for Nevada students were 233 in fourth grade and 265 in eighth grade. Reading scores averaged 213 for fourth grade and 253 for eighth grade.
Alabama: Academic Scores and State Ranking
Alabama is ranked 41st in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 236 for fourth grade and 262 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 213 in fourth grade and 250 in eighth grade.
California: Educational Outcomes in the Golden State
California holds the 40th position in the state educational rankings. Students in California achieved average math scale scores of 233 in fourth grade and 269 in eighth grade. Their reading scores averaged 212 for fourth grade and 254 for eighth grade.
Maine: Academic Standing in the Northeast
Maine is ranked 39th in the overall assessment of student academic performance. The average math scores for Maine students were 233 in fourth grade and 273 in eighth grade. Reading scores averaged 210 for fourth grade and 255 for eighth grade.
Michigan: Performance in Math and Reading
Michigan's educational results place it at the 38th spot in the state rankings. The state's average math scale scores were 235 for fourth grade and 270 for eighth grade. In reading, fourth-grade students averaged 209, and eighth-grade students averaged 255.
Missouri: Student Achievement Snapshot
Missouri is ranked 37th in the comprehensive state performance evaluation. Students in Missouri achieved average math scale scores of 235 in fourth grade and 270 in eighth grade. Their reading scores averaged 212 for fourth grade and 255 for eighth grade.
South Carolina: Educational Performance Metrics
South Carolina occupies the 36th position in the statewide academic performance list. Fourth-grade math scores in South Carolina averaged 238, while eighth-grade math scores reached 268. For reading, students scored an average of 215 in fourth grade and 254 in eighth grade.
Texas: Review of Student Test Scores
Texas is ranked 35th in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for Texas students were 241 in fourth grade and 269 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 212 for fourth grade and 252 for eighth grade.
Louisiana: Educational Landscape Analysis
Louisiana is positioned 34th in the comprehensive list of states by academic achievement. The average math scores for Louisiana students were 235 in fourth grade and 267 in eighth grade. Reading scores averaged 216 for fourth grade and 257 for eighth grade.
Vermont: Academic Standing (Tie with Kansas)
Vermont is tied for 32nd place in the overall state rankings for student academic achievement. Its fourth-grade math average scale score was 235, while eighth-grade math stood at 276. For reading, fourth-graders achieved an average score of 213, and eighth-graders, 257.
Kansas: Academic Standing (Tie with Vermont)
Kansas shares the 32nd position in the comprehensive state ranking. Students in Kansas recorded an average scale score of 237 for fourth-grade math and 274 for eighth-grade math. In reading assessments, the average scores were 213 for fourth grade and 255 for eighth grade.
Maryland: Educational Performance Review
Maryland holds the 31st position in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for Maryland students were 234 in fourth grade and 268 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 216 for fourth grade and 258 for eighth grade.
New York: Academic Achievement in the Empire State
New York is ranked 30th in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 234 for fourth grade and 271 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 215 in fourth grade and 257 in eighth grade.
Georgia: Educational Outcomes in the Southeast
Georgia occupies the 29th position in the statewide academic performance list. Fourth-grade math scores in Georgia averaged 236, while eighth-grade math scores reached 269. For reading, students scored an average of 214 in fourth grade and 259 in eighth grade.
North Carolina: Review of Student Test Performance
North Carolina is ranked 28th in the overall state performance evaluation. Students in North Carolina achieved average math scale scores of 239 in fourth grade and 276 in eighth grade. Their reading scores averaged 213 for fourth grade and 255 for eighth grade.
Virginia: Educational Progress and Achievement
Virginia is positioned 27th in the comprehensive list of states by academic achievement. The average math scores for Virginia students were 238 in fourth grade and 275 in eighth grade. Reading scores averaged 214 for fourth grade and 256 for eighth grade.
Mississippi: Academic Scores and State Ranking
Mississippi holds the 26th position in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for Mississippi students were 239 in fourth grade and 269 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 219 for fourth grade and 253 for eighth grade.
Nebraska: Performance in Core Academic Subjects
Nebraska is ranked 25th in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 238 for fourth grade and 280 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 212 in fourth grade and 256 in eighth grade.
Rhode Island: Academic Standing (Tie with Florida)
Rhode Island is tied for 23rd place in the overall state rankings for student academic achievement. Its fourth-grade math average scale score was 237, while eighth-grade math stood at 270. For reading, fourth-graders achieved an average score of 216, and eighth-graders, 258.
Florida: Academic Standing (Tie with Rhode Island)
Florida shares the 23rd position in the comprehensive state ranking. Students in Florida recorded an average scale score of 243 for fourth-grade math and 267 for eighth-grade math. In reading assessments, the average scores were 218 for fourth grade and 253 for eighth grade.
Iowa: Review of Student Test Results
Iowa holds the 22nd position in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for Iowa students were 237 in fourth grade and 275 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 215 for fourth grade and 261 for eighth grade.
Washington: Educational Outcomes in the Pacific Northwest
Washington is ranked 21st in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 238 for fourth grade and 274 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 216 in fourth grade and 259 in eighth grade.
Kentucky: Academic Performance Snapshot
Kentucky occupies the 20th position in the statewide academic performance list. Fourth-grade math scores in Kentucky averaged 238, while eighth-grade math scores reached 271. For reading, students scored an average of 218 in fourth grade and 258 in eighth grade.
Illinois: Academic Standing (Tie with Hawaii)
Illinois is tied for 18th place in the overall state rankings for student academic achievement. Its fourth-grade math average scale score was 236, while eighth-grade math stood at 277. For reading, fourth-graders achieved an average score of 214, and eighth-graders, 262.
Hawaii: Academic Standing (Tie with Illinois)
Hawaii shares the 18th position in the comprehensive state ranking. Students in Hawaii recorded an average scale score of 239 for fourth-grade math and 270 for eighth-grade math. In reading assessments, the average scores were 216 for fourth grade and 257 for eighth grade.
Pennsylvania: Educational Outcomes Review
Pennsylvania holds the 17th position in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for Pennsylvania students were 238 in fourth grade and 276 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 216 for fourth grade and 259 for eighth grade.
Tennessee: Student Achievement Metrics
Tennessee is ranked 16th in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 240 for fourth grade and 276 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 215 in fourth grade and 259 in eighth grade.
South Dakota: Academic Standing (Tie with Idaho)
South Dakota is tied for 14th place in the overall state rankings for student academic achievement. Its fourth-grade math average scale score was 240, while eighth-grade math stood at 281. For reading, fourth-graders achieved an average score of 214, and eighth-graders, 260.
Idaho: Academic Standing (Tie with South Dakota)
Idaho shares the 14th position in the comprehensive state ranking. Students in Idaho recorded an average scale score of 238 for fourth-grade math and 278 for eighth-grade math. In reading assessments, the average scores were 216 for fourth grade and 261 for eighth grade.
North Dakota: Performance in Core Academic Subjects
North Dakota holds the 13th position in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for North Dakota students were 241 in fourth grade and 280 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 216 for fourth grade and 257 for eighth grade.
Montana: Review of Student Test Scores
Montana is ranked 12th in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 238 for fourth grade and 279 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 217 in fourth grade and 261 in eighth grade.
Wisconsin: Educational Outcomes in the Midwest
Wisconsin occupies the 11th position in the statewide academic performance list. Fourth-grade math scores in Wisconsin averaged 239, while eighth-grade math scores reached 283. For reading, students scored an average of 215 in fourth grade and 260 in eighth grade.
Minnesota: Academic Achievement Overview
Minnesota holds the 10th position in the overall state rankings for student academic achievement. Its fourth-grade math average scale score was 241, while eighth-grade math stood at 282. For reading, fourth-graders achieved an average score of 214, and eighth-graders, 260.
Ohio: Review of Educational Performance
Ohio is ranked 9th in the comprehensive state ranking. Students in Ohio recorded an average scale score of 239 for fourth-grade math and 279 for eighth-grade math. In reading assessments, the average scores were 216 for fourth grade and 260 for eighth grade.
Connecticut: Educational Progress and Achievement
Connecticut holds the 8th position in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for Connecticut students were 239 in fourth grade and 277 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 219 for fourth grade and 263 for eighth grade.
Colorado: Student Performance in Core Subjects
Colorado is ranked 7th in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 239 for fourth grade and 278 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 221 in fourth grade and 265 in eighth grade.
Indiana: Academic Achievement in the Heartland
Indiana occupies the 6th position in the statewide academic performance list. Fourth-grade math scores in Indiana averaged 240, while eighth-grade math scores reached 278. For reading, students scored an average of 220 in fourth grade and 262 in eighth grade.
Wyoming: Review of Educational Outcomes
Wyoming holds the 5th position in the overall state rankings for student academic achievement. Its fourth-grade math average scale score was 243, while eighth-grade math stood at 278. For reading, fourth-graders achieved an average score of 222, and eighth-graders, 260.
Utah: Student Performance in Math and Reading
Utah is ranked 4th in the comprehensive state ranking. Students in Utah recorded an average scale score of 242 for fourth-grade math and 282 for eighth-grade math. In reading assessments, the average scores were 219 for fourth grade and 261 for eighth grade.
New Hampshire: Educational Success Metrics
New Hampshire holds the 3rd position in the current assessment of state educational outcomes. The average math scale scores for New Hampshire students were 242 in fourth grade and 280 in eighth grade. In reading, the scores were 221 for fourth grade and 264 for eighth grade.
New Jersey: Academic Achievements in the Garden State
New Jersey is ranked 2nd in the nationwide assessment of student performance. The state's average math scale scores were 240 for fourth grade and 282 for eighth grade. For reading, students achieved an average of 222 in fourth grade and 266 in eighth grade.
Massachusetts: Leading the Nation in Academic Excellence
Massachusetts proudly stands as the top-ranked state, securing the 1st position in this comprehensive educational evaluation. Students in Massachusetts demonstrated exceptional proficiency, achieving average math scores of 246 in fourth grade and 283 in eighth grade. In reading, their average scores were 225 for fourth grade and 268 for eighth grade, solidifying its status as a leader in educational outcomes.