Which Carolina Ranks As The Best Early Education System?
Many people select where they live based on the school districts. So many, that it has a significant impact on property values. Thus making it a priority for those, with and without school-aged children. But these days parents and voters are focused on even earlier education. South Carolina early education is leading the way in the Carolinas.
As alluded to above education at every level from elementary schools all the way up to Universities can impact where parents choose to raise their families. But the availability of pre-k is becoming just as important. This is why our friends at WalletHub recently released a report on the States with the Best & Worst Early Education Systems.
Data shows that children who attend early education programs have a higher chance of success in future education as well as a higher earning potential, WalletHub reports from data provided by the National Education Association. Despite evidence to its benefit only 11 states currently offer “universal pre-K” programs.
Chances are you’ve heard that term “universal pre-k” but what exactly does that entail? According to EarlySuccess.org “‘Universal pre-k,’ also known as “preschool access for all,” ensures any family who wants to enroll their preschool-aged child in a publicly-funded, pre-kindergarten care and education program has the opportunity to make that choice.”
And when it comes to the Carolina’s it’s South Carolina early education that WalletHub recognized. To conduct this study “WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 12 key metrics”. These included the percentage of school districts that offer a state pre-K program, the number of pre-K quality benchmarks achieved, and the total reported spending per child enrolled in pre-K.
South Carolina Early Education
And out of those 51 states and DC South Carolina early education ranked 7th based on these metrics. In contrast, North Carolina ranked 40th. You can see the full rankings and read the study in its entirety here. Thanks to our friends at WalletHub for sharing their research with us.
This North Carolina City Is The 4th Most Educated In The Country
8. Hickory
Ranking 8th amongst North Carolina cities and 144th overall is Hickory. Despite flying under the radar on this study many consider Hickory a beautiful and affordable place to live!
Total Score: 26.91
Educational Rank: 141
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 140
7. Winston Salem
Ranking 113th overall is Winston-Salem. Which is home to Wake Forest University a prestigious private institution. So this ranking is a little surprising to me. I guess many graduates are not staying in the area post-grad!
Total Score: 45.56
Educational Rank: 119
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 39
6. Fayetteville
Yay Fayetteville! The city beat out two other NC cities and ranked 6th in the state and 106th overall. And that quality of education and attainment rank is in the top 10!
Total Score: 47.95
Educational Rank: 118
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 9
5. Greensboro
Greensboro marks the 4th NC city to rank in the 100s of this study. They came in at 101. Don’t worry it goes up from here (way up!)
Total Score: 48.90
Educational Rank: 108
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 35
4. Charlotte
Are you shocked the largest city in the state is only 4th in this study? Perhaps it’s due to the expansive population. Or more likely the plethora of nearby universities surrounding the top 2 cities. But ranking 45th overall and 4th in the state feels like Charlotte may be underachieving.
Total Score: 60.42
Educational Rank: 56
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 23
3. Asheville
In some ways, this shocks me. But then I remember how expensive it is to live in Asheville and it makes more sense!
Total Score: 63.31
Educational Rank: 35
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 46
2. Raleigh
And second in the state 9th overall is a city near and dear to my heart. And one home to my alma mater- Raleigh. So that does give me a sense of pride!
Total Score: 79.56
Educational Rank: 5
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 30
1. Durham
And the highest-ranking NC city and 4th in the country? Durham home to Duke University.
Total Score: 81.32
Educational Rank: 8
Quality of Education & Attainment Rank: 1
