Arizona has third-worst school system in the United States, per WalletHub

PHOENIX — Arizona was recently ranked as having one of the worst school systems in the United States in 2021, according to a personal finance website.

WalletHub compared all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 32 relevant metrics, evaluating performance, funding, safety, class size and instructor credentials.

Arizona came in at No. 49 on the list with a total score of 35.13.

Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest quality of public education.

This was the third consecutive year Arizona ranked as having the third-worst public education system in the U.S.

The quality of all school systems were graded based on test scores, dropout rates, pupil-teacher ratios and certified or licensed teachers.

The state placed toward the bottom of the list for “quality” at No. 49 and dropped down three spots from last year to No. 34 for “safety”.

Arizona also had the third-worst dropout rate and the highest pupil-to-teacher ratio, ranking No. 51 on the list.

Last year, Arizona was ranked as the worst in pupil-to-teacher ratio, and neared the bottom of the list for median ACT scores (No. 44) and dropout rates (No. 47).

Louisiana and New Mexico placed below Arizona, both having one of the highest dropout rates in the country, as well as worst reading and math scores.

Massachusetts was considered to have the best school system this year based on high spending, having the lowest percentage of high school students injured or threatened and placing top-five in high reading, math and median ACT scores.

Follow @suelenrivera