Wyoming Schools Best in the West

Wyoming’s Public Schools: Among the Nation’s Best

Ranked. Respected. Rooted in Excellence.

The foundation for Wyoming’s success is often built in a public school. These alumni stories highlight individuals who grew up here, were shaped by their school experiences, and chose to build their futures right here in their home state. See how Wyoming schools helped them discover their passions and why they continue to champion education in our state.

Wyoming Leads in College Readiness

ACT National Rankings – 2024

Among the seven states that test 100% of their high school juniors, Wyoming ranks #1 in ACT performance, including reading, math, and science.

Why this matters:

In Wyoming, every student takes the ACT, not just those planning to attend college. Testing all students makes Wyoming’s top ranking even more meaningful, showing that our schools support all learners as opposed to only the top performers. Students are graduating with a solid foundation in core subjects, and Wyoming’s commitment to equity and access is making a real impact. By excelling across the board, Wyoming proves it’s preparing students for both college and career success, no matter where they come from or where they’re headed.

Wyoming Schools Best in the West

National Rank

ACT 2024

1st Wyoming

2nd Kentucky
3rd Tennessee
4th Louisiana
5th Alabama
6th Oklahoma
7th Mississippi

Best in the West and Among the Nation’s Elite

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – 2025

The NAEP, often referred to as “The Nation’s Report Card,” measures how well students across the country perform in key academic subjects like math, reading, science, and writing.

Wyoming ranks 5th nationally and has held a Top 5 spot every year since 2015.

NAEP 2025 Highlights for Wyoming:

  • 2nd in the nation in 4th grade math and reading
  • Top scores across multiple grade levels and subjects
  • Consistent improvement over time

Why this matters:

NAEP is the most respected national benchmark for student achievement. Wyoming’s performance shows that students are gaining essential academic skills early, the curriculum is effective across all districts, and educators are delivering results that stand out on a national level. This isn’t just a great score, it’s a testament to Wyoming’s statewide commitment to academic excellence, equity, and meaningful student support.

Wyoming Schools Best in the West

National Rank

NAEP 2025

5th Wyoming

3rd Utah
5th Colorado 
9th Montana
9th South Dakota 
11th Idaho
16th Nebraska

Wyoming Ranked One of The Highest on SAT College Entrance Exam SAT National Rankings - 2024

With only 1% of students in the state taking the SAT, Wyoming earned the highest average composite score (1250) among the same participation states in 2024. Wyoming also ranked #2 nationally overall in SAT performance, highlighting the strong preparation and academic excellence of its students.

Why this matters:

In Wyoming, the SAT is typically taken by students pursuing competitive college admissions or scholarship opportunities, not the entire student body. Despite this small testing group, Wyoming ranks among the highest in the nation and outperforms many neighboring states. This demonstrates that even our most ambitious and academically driven students are exceptionally well-prepared. These results reflect a strong academic foundation, high-quality instruction, and a statewide commitment to excellence, equipping students for success in college, careers, or whatever path they choose.

Wyoming Schools Best in the West

National Rank
Out of Contiguous States

SAT 2024

1st Wyoming

2nd Nebraska
2nd Utah
3rd South Dakota
4th Montana
5th Colorado
5th Idaho

Strong Scores Reflect a Strong System

These national results don’t happen by chance. They are the result of:

When Wyoming students succeed, our whole state succeeds.

WSBA SWCSD

Wyoming’s Future Starts Here

At Ignite Wyoming, we know these rankings are only part of the story. Behind every data point is a student who worked hard, a teacher who believed in them, and a community that made education a priority.

We celebrate the accomplishments of our public schools and the promise of what’s still to come.

#NothingBeatsWYPublicSchools