State of Education in Numbers
The education system faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in providing instruction, services, and school meals to students. Public schools took in and spent more funds than ever before. It also had mixed impacts on teachers and students. The number of public school teachers has increased each year since 2020 while the number of students has decreased or stayed the same. Meanwhile, test scores have fallen.
The most recent year of data varies for each dataset used, and education data typically has at least a year of lag time. For this reason, outcomes of recent policy changes to the Department of Education are not yet reflected in the data. Public school funding and spending are available for the 2022–23 school year (SY); teacher population, school enrollment and test scores are from SY 2023–24.
The basics
$19.9K
3.3M
31%
Let's get into it
School spending increased steadily between 2012 to 2022, with most money going towards teacher salaries and benefits. The teacher population also grew during this time.
In the 2022–23 school year, public schools received about $2,600 in federal funding per student. Most of public school funding though, $17,300 per student, was from state and local sources. The 2022–23 school year was the last with increased federal funding from COVID-19 relief (which expired in May 2023).
In the 2022–23 school year, public schools received about $2,600 in federal funding per student.
Funding per student, by source, adjusted for inflation (FY 2023 dollars)
Public schools spent more in the 2022–23 school year than ever before: around $824 billion total, or $16,600 per student. Most (77%) spending was on staff salaries and benefits. After adjusting for inflation, spending on salaries has decreased over the last 15 years, while the spending on benefits has increased by 28%.
Public schools spent more in the 2022–23 school year than ever before.
Total spending, by type, adjusted for inflation (FY 2023 dollars)
There were 3.25 million public school teachers at the start of the 2023–24 school year — the most on record. The growing number of teachers reduced the student-teacher ratio, which measures the average number of students per instructor, to its lowest level since data collection began.
There were 3.25 million public school teachers at the start of the 2023–24 school year – the most on record.
Number of public school teachers
This data source has released more recent data for the 2024–25 school year. However, one state did not submit data on the number of full–time teachers; thus, the national teacher count is currently incomplete.
Are test scores going up or down?
The most recent student test scores from 2024 show declines in reading and math since COVID-19.
In 2024, about one-third of students in fourth, eighth, and 12th grades were proficient in reading. The proficiency rate fell from pre-pandemic levels for all grades.
In 2024, about one-third of students in fourth, eighth, and 12th grades were proficient in reading.
Percentage of students who were proficient in reading
In 2024, 39% of fourth graders, 28% of eighth graders, and 22% of 12th graders were proficient in math. Fourth and eighth graders improved in math proficiency since 2022, but are still below the pre-pandemic level. The proficiency rate in 12th grade is at its lowest level since 2009.
In 2024, 39% of fourth graders, 28% of eighth graders, and 22% of 12th graders were proficient in math.
Percentage of students who were proficient in math
