BOSTON (WWLP) – Recent national reports are recognizing Massachusetts as a top state in education and innovation.
The U.S. News & World Report found that Massachusetts has the highest share of top-performing high schools in the country, with 47% of eligible high schools ranking in the top quarter nationally.
In the report’s annual Best High Schools rankings, nearly half of eligible Massachusetts public high schools were ranked in the top 25% nationally, marking the highest share of any state.
Springfield opens lottery for six new single-family homes
“Massachusetts’ leadership in education and innovation go hand in hand,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “From building strong foundations in early education to creating pathways through K-12 and higher education, we are giving learners the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to pursue their goals.”
The Healey administration has made efforts to expand academic opportunities for students across the state, including doubling education funding, making school meals free for all students, making community college tuition and fees free, and launching an early literacy improvement initiative.
Additionally, nine Massachusetts startups were recognized on TIME’s list of America’s Best Incubators and Accelerators of 2026 — the second-most of any state.
“Massachusetts has built one of the strongest innovation economies in the world,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “We have world-class schools, universities and research institutions, along with the talent, capital and support that entrepreneurs need to turn new ideas into growing companies. These rankings reflect the strength of that ecosystem and why Massachusetts continues to be one of the best places in the world to start and grow a company.”
To continue building on the state’s strengthening innovation economy, Governor Healey filed the Mass Wins Act to lower costs for businesses, create jobs across the state, and attract investment opportunities.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
