Press Release: 8/21/2026
Massachusetts Continues to Lead Nation in Education and Innovation
New national rankings recognize Massachusetts for top-performing public high schools and startup incubators and accelerators
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/20/2026
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today celebrated new national rankings recognizing Massachusetts as a national leader in education and innovation, highlighting the state’s world-class schools, talented workforce and thriving innovation economy.
U.S. News & World Report found that Massachusetts has the highest share of top-performing public high schools of any state in the country, with 47 percent of eligible Massachusetts high schools ranking in the top quarter nationally.
At the same time, TIME recognized nine Massachusetts startup incubators and accelerators among the best in the country – more than any state except California – underscoring Massachusetts’ strength as a place where entrepreneurs can turn new ideas into growing companies.
“Massachusetts is the best state in the country to learn, innovate and build a future,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We have the best schools in the nation and the best places in the country to turn a great idea into the next great company. That’s because of our incredible students, educators, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators who choose Massachusetts every day. There is so much to be proud of in our state, and these rankings are another reminder of why Massachusetts leads the way. Congratulations to these incredible schools, incubators and accelerators on this distinction – you make us so proud.”
“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.”
“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. This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students and educators, and we remain focused on ensuring every learner, in every community, has the opportunities to succeed and help drive Massachusetts forward.”
Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top states in the country for education, health care, innovation and quality of life. Governor Healey has focused on building on those strengths by investing in public education, expanding access to career and technical education and higher education, supporting cutting-edge research and growing industries, and helping Massachusetts companies start, scale and stay in the state.
Massachusetts Leads in Education
Massachusetts once again stood out nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best High Schools rankings. Nearly half of eligible Massachusetts public high schools ranked in the top 25 percent nationally, the highest share of any state.
The ranking builds on Massachusetts’ longstanding position as a national leader in public education and reflects the work of students, educators, school leaders and families across the state.
Governor Healey has made historic investments to make sure every student can get a great education and build a bright future in Massachusetts. The administration has doubled education funding, made school meals free for every student, expanded access to high-quality early education and care, and launched Literacy Launch, a nation-leading initiative to improve early literacy instruction and make sure students are strong readers.
The administration is also expanding pathways from the classroom to college and careers. Governor Healey made community college tuition and fee-free, increased Early College programming, and expanded career and technical education opportunities, including vocational school seats and apprenticeships.
Massachusetts Leads in Innovation
Massachusetts also earned national recognition for its innovation economy, with nine startup incubators and accelerators named to TIME’s list of America’s Best Startup Hubs.
Massachusetts had the second-highest number of recognized startup hubs in the country, behind only California. The recognition reflects the state’s unique concentration of world-class universities, research institutions, entrepreneurs, investors and talent that helps turn breakthrough ideas into companies and jobs.
To build on this strength, Governor Healey filed the Mass Wins Act to strengthen Massachusetts’ competitiveness, lower costs for businesses, attract investment and create jobs across the state. Governor Healey has also proposed the DRIVE Initiative to protect Massachusetts’ world-class research institutions, preserve jobs and retain top talent in the face of federal funding cuts.
The administration is also making targeted investments in Massachusetts’ innovation infrastructure, supporting cutting-edge research and helping startups access the equipment, facilities and resources they need to turn new ideas into products and grow their businesses. These investments are supporting emerging industries including robotics, climatetech, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and AI, with a focus on helping companies not only start in Massachusetts, but scale, manufacture and create jobs here.
Together, these investments build on Massachusetts’ unmatched combination of talent, research, higher education and entrepreneurship and are focused on making sure the next generation of breakthrough companies continues to grow and build in Massachusetts.
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