School is getting ready to start up again, and students are getting excited about new friends, new teachers, new backpacks, and a brand new start.  And there's this not-so-happy news that Idaho ranks among the lowest in the US for SAT scores, so we gotta buckle down.  There is one bright spot though.

The personal finance website, Wallethub, released a study that has Idaho schools ranked 34th overall, and 49th when it comes to SAT scores.  Ick.  If juniors and seniors are relying on SAT scores to get into college, this study might mean states like Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire are getting into the Ivy League schools before an Idahoan.  But we know there are exceptions to every rule and Idaho has plenty of smarties too.

To come up with the best school systems in America, WalletHub used criteria ranging from pupil-teacher ratio to dropout rate to median standardized-test scores.

 

This is a little disturbing, but maybe we can use it as constructive criticism and let it give us a swift kick to improve. Idaho ranks near the bottom of all states when it comes to bullying incidents, along with Louisiana, West Virginia, and Arkansas.

And another thing that's not so great.  Of all the states and the District of Columbia, Idaho ranks 51st on school spending.  Wallethub says it counted, "Total Current Expenditures for Public Elementary and Secondary Day Schools per Student" to come up with the ranking.  Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont spend more per student and rank among the highest.

Can we just file this in the "Um....ok file," and get excited about the new school year anyway?  The kids will love their teachers, and they'll make a ton of new friends, and they'll conquer math, science, and reading, we know it.

The first day of school in Boise is coming up fast!  Students are headed back to class August 20th.

For the full report, visit Wallethub.com.  And make that great year happen.

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