North Dakota


U.S.
Rank
#33 D
Overall PPI Score: 65%

North Dakota soared 18 spots to 33rd with a D-, propelled by breakthrough charter legislation. The Peace Garden State finally unlocked progress, giving families a glimmer of hope.

Charter Schools

Score
78%
Grade: C
Rank: #20

By learning from successful models in other states, lawmakers ensured the new charter law lays a solid foundation for high-quality, innovative schools that can truly serve students and families across the state.

Transformational Learning

Score
70%
Grade: C
Rank: #49

Many students participate in work-based learning and CTE planning programs. The state has extensive competency-based education initiatives and Innovative Zones.

Leadership

North Dakota—once one of just two states without charter schools—has officially joined the education freedom movement. Governor Armstrong championed the cause, and with the passage of a strong new charter law, he delivered. Now, families in the Peace Garden...

Choice Programs (Scholarships, Vouchers, Tax Credits, etc.)

Score
50%
Grade: F
Rank: #41

North Dakota has no private school choice programs available.

DID YOU KNOW?

States like Wyoming (+30), North Dakota (+18), and Texas (+15) made the largest leaps in offering Parent Power in the 2025 Index—proving that bold policy change drives real progress for families!

Transparency

School report cards are easily found under the “Dashboard → Explore Public K-12” heading, located on the homepage of North Dakota's Department of Public Instruction website. The report cards are located on the “Insights North Dakota” platform and boast a clear...

Teacher Quality

One of many data points to assess whether a state has the right policies in place to ensure teacher quality is the "use of student achievement data in teacher preparation accountability." How empty or full the fuel tank above is will give you the answer for your state.

Fast Facts:

4th Grade Math Proficiency: 43%
8th Grade Math Proficiency: 31%
4th Grade Reading Proficiency: 30%
8th Grade Reading Proficiency: 27%
Average SAT Score: 1161 / 1600
Average ACT Score: 19.6 / 36
Graduation Rate: 83%

Constitutional Issues

The state's constitution includes a Blaine Amendment and a Uniformity Clause which restricts where public monies can flow. Neither has received very much judicial attention.