When families search for a new home, the strength of the local school district often matters just as much as square footage or neighborhood amenities. For parents with school-aged children, the quality of public education can heavily influence where they choose to live. A 2025 National Association of Realtors survey found that roughly one-third of homebuyers ages 26 to 44 listed school quality as a major factor in their decision-making.
That consideration is becoming even more important as states and local districts take on greater responsibility for funding, standards and curriculum. The results of these changes are widening differences between school districts nationwide, and sharply varied educational experiences for students depending on where they live.
Against this landscape, Ann Arbor, Michigan, consistently ranks among the best in the country for public education, offering rigorous academics, well-funded programs and supportive community environments that attract families from across the region.
Ann Arbor: A national academic standout
Ranked No. 6 nationwide in Niche’s 2025 analysis, Ann Arbor continues to set the standard for public education in Michigan. With an overall A+ grade and a student-focused approach rooted in the city’s university-driven culture, Ann Arbor Public Schools offer diverse advanced coursework, strong arts and STEM programs, and consistently high graduation rates. Families moving to the city often cite its education system as a major draw, and the district’s reputation frequently places Ann Arbor at the top of Midwest relocation lists.
No. 6. Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Population: 121,179
- Public school grade: A+
- Overall Niche grade: A+
How school quality varies across the country
Stacker analyzed Niche’s 2025 data to identify the top 25 U.S. cities for public school districts, weighting school performance based on student population size. While the list includes strong districts from California to Texas to the East Coast, fewer than a dozen states are represented — highlighting how rare truly top-tier districts are.
Among the top 10:
- 4 cities are in California
- Two cities in Texas
- One city in Kansas
- One city is in Illinois
- One city is in Michigan
- One city in Washington
Below is the full ranking
- San Diego
– Population: 1,385,061
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Richardson, Texas
– Population: 118,269
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Round Rock, Texas
– Population: 124,288
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Columbia, Maryland
– Population: 105,871
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Temecula, California
– Population: 110,404
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: B+
- Scottsdale, Arizona
– Population: 242,169
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Burbank, California
– Population: 105,165
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
– Population: 457,066
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Santa Clara, California
– Population: 129,239
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
– Population: 117,794
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Sunnyvale, California
– Population: 153,455
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- College Station, Texas
– Population: 122,280
– Public school grade: A
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Boulder, Colorado
– Population: 106,274
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Arlington, Virginia
– Population: 235,463
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Berkeley, California
– Population: 120,223
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Overland Park, Kansas
– Population: 197,199
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Torrance, California
– Population: 143,499
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Plano, Texas
– Population: 287,339
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Thousand Oaks, California
– Population: 125,676
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
– Population: 121,179
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Irvine, California
– Population: 308,160
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- The Woodlands, Texas
– Population: 116,916
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Bellevue, Washington
– Population: 151,199
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
- Carlsbad, California
– Population: 114,500
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A
- Naperville, Illinois
– Population: 149,424
– Public school grade: A+
– Overall Niche grade: A+
Additional writing by Jill Jaracz.
