Pine View School in Osprey, Florida, is ranked as the top elementary school for its academic excellence, quality of teachers, and focus on college preparation, serving grades 2 through 12.

Education experts warn that declining enrollment is an ongoing trend that will require policymakers to adapt to a changing landscape, with continued decreases expected in the coming years.

A significant decline in public school enrollment has been observed between 2019 and 2023, with nearly 5,100 schools experiencing drops of 20% or more, primarily in high-poverty neighborhoods.

The top 25 elementary and K-12 schools include institutions from various states such as Florida, Arizona, New York, and Texas, highlighting a diverse geographic distribution and a mix of specialized and traditional public schools.

A new ranking by Niche.com for 2026 identifies the best public elementary and K-12 schools across America, based on data from the Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics, and reviews from students, parents, and educators.

The top public high school overall is the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, followed by schools like The Davidson Academy in Nevada and Stuyvesant High School in New York.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal funds helped many schools stay open despite declining enrollment, but with the end of relief money, under-enrolled schools now face financial challenges, prompting calls for policy adaptation.

The report emphasizes that declining enrollment and funding issues pose significant challenges to the future of public education in the United States.

Projected public school enrollment is expected to decrease by approximately 5.5% from 2022 to 2031 due to demographic shifts, increased private and homeschooling options, and international family decisions.