Gov. Polis celebrates Colorado’s first-place education ranking by U.S. News

July 29, 2026 - 12:06

Colorado officials are marking a major milestone this week, adding to the festivities surrounding the state's 150th birthday on Saturday. On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report awarded Colorado the number one spot in the nation for education, covering the full spectrum from pre-kindergarten through postsecondary schooling.

The ranking highlights the state's strong performance in early childhood enrollment, high school graduation rates, and college readiness. Governor Jared Polis pointed to the achievement as proof that investments in the state's schools are paying off. He noted that the ranking reflects a commitment to expanding access and improving outcomes for students at every level.

However, the report was not all good news for Colorado. While the state leads in education, it scored poorly in other categories, including healthcare access and crime rates. These lower marks pulled down Colorado's overall standing in the broader state rankings.

Still, state leaders are choosing to focus on the education win. Polis said the recognition shows that Colorado is building a strong foundation for its future workforce and families. He encouraged continued efforts to build on this success while acknowledging there is still work to do in other areas. The top education ranking gives the state a clear point of pride as it celebrates its sesquicentennial.