Originally published by Test Prep Insight.
School zoning is a term that parents in particular know all too well, as it determines the school their children will attend and the quality of education they will receive. This arrangement often seems like a lottery, heavily dependent on one’s home address, which has significant implications for a child’s educational opportunities. This is rooted in the fact that public school funding and resources vary widely, influenced by local economic health and property taxes.
Yet, within the U.S., there are enclaves renowned for their exemplary public schools, often situated in the affluent suburbs of large cities, where schools benefit from a robust tax base that ensures ample funding.
Test Prep Insight ran a survey of 3,000 parents to discover which districts they would hypothetically most want their children to be schooled in, if given the choice. That is, what are the most envied school districts in America?
The survey uncovered some interesting results. Here are the top 10 most envied school districts among parents:
#1 Lower Merion School District, Pennsylvania.
The most envied school district in the entire country is In the Philadelphia area. Lower Merion offers a comprehensive educational program with a rich array of extracurricular activities, making it highly sought after by families.
#2 Great Neck Public Schools, New York.
The first of two New York districts to make the top 10, Great Neck Public Schools is known for its high student achievement. Located in Nassau County, it provides a well-rounded education with strong programs in arts, sciences, and extracurricular activities.
#3 Jericho Union Free School District, New York.
Located on Long Island, Jericho is the third most popular among parents. It is often celebrated for its rigorous curriculum, high college readiness scores, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
#4 Eanes Independent School District, Texas.
The first and most popular non-North East district is located in the Austin area of Texas. Eanes is known for its high academic standards, extensive extracurricular options, and strong community support.
#5 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, North Carolina.
Known for its high academic achievement, Chapel Hill-Carrboro offers a diverse curriculum, strong arts and music programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities. It is the 5th most envied among parents.
#6 North Allegheny School District, Pennsylvania.
In the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, North Allegheny is known for its strong STEM focus, competitive athletics, and a broad range of extracurricular and enrichment programs.
#7 North Kingstown School Department, Rhode Island.
Offering a comprehensive educational program, North Kingstown is known for its strong STEM focus, competitive athletics, and supportive learning environment. It placed 7th place overall.
#8 Teton County School District, Wyoming.
Located in Jackson, Teton County emerged as the 8th most coveted school district among parents. It is renowned for its high academic achievement, strong environmental education programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
#9 Ridgefield Public Schools, Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Ridgefield offers a strong educational program with a focus on both academic and extracurricular excellence. The district’s commitment to innovation and community support makes it a top choice for families.
#10 Scottsdale Unified School District, Arizona.
And rounding up the top 10 came Chaparral High. It is celebrated for its high academic achievements, comprehensive AP curriculum, and outstanding extracurricular programs. The school’s success is supported by a well-engaged community in Scottsdale.
Maryland had 5 school districts ranked among the most envied by parents in America:
#40 Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
This district offers a broad educational program with strong performance in academics, arts, and athletics, supported by a community-focused approach.
#170 Frederick County Public Schools.
Frederick County is known for its innovative teaching methods, robust STEM programs, and a supportive learning environment for students.
#171 Howard County Public School System.
Known for its high academic standards, diverse student body, and extensive extracurricular programs, Howard County is one of the top-rated districts in the state.
#194 Carroll County Public Schools.
Carroll County offers a high-quality education with a focus on preparing students for college and careers, including a variety of AP courses and extracurricular activities.
#220 Montgomery County Public Schools.
As one of the largest districts in Maryland, Montgomery County is praised for its comprehensive curriculum, wide range of AP and IB courses, and a commitment to inclusive education.
“Education in America can sometimes resemble a game of chance, where the quality of a child’s schooling is left up to their zip code,” explains Matt Ross from Test Prep Insight. “Our survey highlights the stark reality that while some parents are fortunate with access to the nation’s most envied school districts, others are left to contend with less-resourced schools. The findings underscore the disparities in public education and the crucial impact of funding, with the most coveted districts typically enjoying the benefits of a prosperous tax base and community investment.”
