Colorado's #1 Education Ranking Shows Why School Choice Works

July 28, 2026

Colorado is now the No. 1 state in the nation for education, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings. The recognition reflects decades of investment in educational excellence, innovation, and student opportunity.

While many factors contributed to Colorado's success—including higher educational attainment, stronger community college graduation rates, and expanded preschool enrollment—one factor deserves greater recognition: Colorado's longstanding commitment to public school choice and charter schools.

Why is Colorado ranked #1 in education?

According to U.S. News & World Report, Colorado's rise to the top was driven by measurable improvements in:

• Educational attainment
• Two-year college graduation rates
• Preschool enrollment

The report also highlights Colorado's unique education landscape, noting that over 15% of Colorado public school students attend public charter schools and that nearly one-third of families take advantage of Colorado's open enrollment system to choose the public school that best fits their child's needs.

These policies have helped create one of the most diverse and innovative public education systems in the United States.

School choice is one of Colorado's greatest educational strengths

Colorado did not become the nation's highest-ranked education state through a single program or one type of public school.

Instead, Colorado has built an education system that recognizes a simple truth:

Students are different.

Children have different learning styles, interests, goals, and challenges. Families deserve the ability to choose among high-quality public schools that best meet those individual needs.

As Dan Schaller, President of the Colorado League of Charter Schools, explains:

"Colorado's students are as diverse as our incredible state, and no single model of education can meet every child's unique needs. That's why school choice has been a cornerstone of Colorado's education landscape for decades. When families have real options among high-quality public schools, students win. Being named the #1 state in the nation for education affirms that our long-standing commitment to school choice and excellence is the right path forward."

What role do charter schools play in Colorado's education system?

Public charter schools have been part of Colorado's public education system since 1993.

Today, they educate roughly 1 in 7 public school students across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Charter schools are:

• Tuition-free public schools
• Open to all students
• Publicly funded
• Academically accountable
• Financially accountable

They offer families a variety of educational models, including:

• STEM education
• Classical education
• Dual-language immersion
• Montessori
• Career and technical education
• Outdoor education
• Arts integration
• Early college programs
• Project-based learning

This diversity allows students to find learning environments where they can thrive.

Innovation benefits all public schools

Colorado's education success is not about one sector competing against another.

District schools, charter schools, innovation schools, community colleges, universities, educators, families, and policymakers all contribute to a stronger statewide education system.

Many of the same principles that have driven successful charter schools—innovation, flexibility, accountability, and responsiveness to student needs—can strengthen public education as a whole.

When schools learn from one another, students benefit.

Student outcomes should remain the priority

• Colorado's No. 1 ranking is something to celebrate, but it also reminds us that education policy should remain focused on students rather than systems.
• Every family deserves access to a high-quality public school.
• Every educator deserves the opportunity to innovate.
• Every student deserves a learning environment that helps them succeed.
• Colorado's leadership in education demonstrates that expanding opportunity, encouraging innovation, and giving families meaningful public school choices can produce measurable results.
• The challenge now is not simply maintaining a ranking.
• It is continuing to improve educational outcomes for every Colorado student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Colorado ranked the #1 education state?

According to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings, Colorado ranked first because of improvements in educational attainment, community college graduation rates, and preschool enrollment.

Are charter schools public schools?

Yes. Colorado charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free public schools open to all students and held accountable for academic and financial performance. Colorado Department of Education

How many students attend charter schools in Colorado?

Over 15% of Colorado public school students attend charter schools, making them an important part of the state's public education system.

Why is school choice important?

School choice gives families the opportunity to select the public school that best fits their child's learning needs, interests, and educational goals. Colorado's diverse public education system includes neighborhood schools, charter schools, innovation schools, magnet schools, and open enrollment opportunities.

About the Colorado League of Charter Schools

The Colorado League of Charter Schools is the statewide nonprofit membership organization supporting Colorado's 262 public charter schools through advocacy, leadership development, governance support, professional learning, school quality initiatives, and operational services. Founded in 1994, the League works with educators, school leaders, governing boards, policymakers, and community partners to strengthen public charter schools and improve educational outcomes for more than 136,000 Colorado students.