14 Largest School Districts in the United States

The United States is home to some of the largest school districts in the world, serving millions of students across diverse communities. These districts vary in size, structure, and the resources they provide, but they all share a common goal: delivering quality education to their students. From major urban centers like New York City and Los Angeles to rapidly growing regions like Clark County in Nevada, these districts face unique challenges and opportunities. They manage massive budgets, oversee hundreds of schools, and employ tens of thousands of teachers to meet the needs of their diverse student populations. Understanding the size and scope of these districts provides insight into the scale of education in America and the efforts made to support students across the country.

New York City Department of Education, New York

The New York City Department of Education is the largest school district in the United States, with over 1 million students. This enormous district serves students across all five boroughs, comprising more than 1,800 schools. With such a vast reach, it employs over 75,000 teachers, making it one of the most significant public education systems in the world. The district offers diverse programs ranging from specialized high schools to bilingual education. New York City’s student population reflects the city’s cultural diversity, with students speaking more than 200 languages. It also manages a substantial budget, exceeding $38 billion annually. As the largest district, it faces ongoing challenges, including overcrowding and ensuring equitable access to resources.

Los Angeles Unified School District, California

Serving over 500,000 students, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the second-largest in the country. LAUSD spans 710 square miles, covering urban, suburban, and rural areas across Los Angeles County. The district operates more than 1,000 schools, offering a variety of specialized programs, including magnet schools and STEM-focused education. LAUSD serves a diverse population, with a large proportion of students being English language learners. Its budget is around $10 billion, which supports its educational programs and teacher salaries. The district also places a strong emphasis on equity and closing achievement gaps. However, it continually faces challenges related to underfunding and overcrowded classrooms.

Chicago Public Schools, Illinois

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district, with approximately 330,000 students. It consists of more than 600 schools spread throughout the city. CPS has made significant strides in recent years by increasing its graduation rates and focusing on college readiness programs. The district serves a predominantly minority population, with over 80% of its students identifying as African American or Latino. With a $9.3 billion budget, CPS allocates substantial resources toward student achievement and professional development for educators. The district has faced financial difficulties, leading to numerous budget cuts in the past. Despite this, CPS continues to push forward with innovative education reforms.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida

Miami-Dade County Public Schools serves nearly 330,000 students, making it the fourth-largest district in the United States. With over 350 schools, the district is known for its commitment to innovative education practices and robust language programs. A majority of students are Hispanic, and the district offers extensive bilingual education to meet their needs. Miami-Dade also invests in technology, providing students with digital devices to enhance learning. The district has a budget of over $5 billion, which funds diverse academic and extracurricular programs. Additionally, Miami-Dade places a strong focus on environmental education and sustainability. Its unique geography, close to coastal regions, often influences the district’s educational offerings.

Clark County School District, Nevada

With around 320,000 students, the Clark County School District (CCSD) is the largest in Nevada and fifth-largest nationwide. Located in Las Vegas, the district spans 8,000 square miles, covering urban and rural areas alike. It operates more than 360 schools, including many that offer career and technical education programs. CCSD serves a diverse student population, with over half of its students identifying as Hispanic. The district’s $3.4 billion budget supports numerous initiatives aimed at improving student performance and closing achievement gaps. Due to rapid population growth in the region, CCSD frequently grapples with overcrowded schools and teacher shortages. Despite these issues, the district continues to prioritize student success.

Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Broward County Public Schools serves over 270,000 students and ranks as the sixth-largest district in the U.S. Located in southern Florida, the district consists of over 300 schools and learning centers. Broward County is recognized for its strong academic programs and initiatives focused on arts education and STEM fields. The district serves a diverse student body, with significant populations of Hispanic and African American students. With a $4.5 billion annual budget, the district is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for all students. Broward has also made strides in promoting mental health and wellness through its schools. However, it continues to face challenges related to funding and security improvements.

Houston Independent School District, Texas

Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the largest school district in Texas, serving about 210,000 students. It operates more than 280 schools and offers a variety of specialized programs, including language immersion and International Baccalaureate. HISD serves a highly diverse student population, with more than 60% of students identifying as Hispanic. The district manages a $2.2 billion budget, which funds various educational initiatives and technology upgrades. HISD is known for its focus on personalized learning, aiming to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. Challenges in the district include high levels of poverty among students and recurring issues with school infrastructure. Despite this, HISD remains committed to improving student outcomes.

Orange County Public Schools, Florida

Serving over 210,000 students, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is the ninth-largest district in the country. Located in the Orlando area, OCPS manages over 200 schools, including various magnet and charter schools. The district’s student body is highly diverse, with a large population of Hispanic and African American students. OCPS is known for its investment in technology, providing laptops and other digital tools to students and teachers. Its $4 billion budget helps support a wide range of academic programs and student services. The district also emphasizes career readiness, with partnerships that connect students to local businesses. However, it faces ongoing issues with rapid growth and classroom overcrowding.

Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) serves approximately 185,000 students, making it the largest district in Virginia. Located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., FCPS operates more than 200 schools, including several specialized and alternative programs. The district is known for its high academic standards and rigorous curriculum, often ranking among the top districts nationally. Fairfax serves a diverse student population, with significant numbers of international students and English language learners. Its budget of around $3.5 billion supports various programs, including advanced placement courses and STEM initiatives. FCPS is also recognized for its commitment to special education and student wellness. Nonetheless, the district faces challenges related to growth and overcrowding in certain areas.

Dallas Independent School District, Texas

Dallas Independent School District (DISD) serves approximately 150,000 students, making it one of the largest districts in Texas. The district operates more than 230 schools, offering a range of specialized programs, including dual-language and STEM academies. A majority of students in DISD are Hispanic, and the district provides extensive support for English language learners. With a budget of $2.1 billion, DISD invests in both academic programs and infrastructure improvements. Dallas ISD is also focused on closing the achievement gap and increasing graduation rates. The district faces ongoing challenges related to poverty and funding limitations. Despite these hurdles, DISD remains committed to preparing students for college and careers.

Wake County Public School System, North Carolina

Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) serves more than 160,000 students, making it the largest district in North Carolina. Located in and around Raleigh, the district includes over 190 schools. WCPSS is known for its strong academic performance, with a focus on college readiness and advanced placement courses. The district serves a diverse population, with a growing number of Hispanic and Asian students. Its budget of approximately $1.7 billion funds a variety of educational programs, including arts and STEM initiatives. WCPSS has also gained recognition for its efforts to promote equity and close achievement gaps. The district continues to manage the challenges of rapid growth and overcrowding.

Philadelphia City School District, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia City School District, with over 125,000 students, is the largest in Pennsylvania. The district operates more than 200 schools, including a number of magnet and specialized schools. Philadelphia has a diverse student population, with significant numbers of African American and Hispanic students. The district’s $3.8 billion budget supports numerous programs, from college readiness initiatives to vocational training. Philadelphia schools face challenges related to funding shortages and aging infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the district continues to focus on improving student outcomes and expanding opportunities. The district is also committed to supporting students through mental health and wellness programs.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) serves approximately 140,000 students and is the second-largest district in North Carolina. The district operates more than 170 schools, including several magnet and charter schools that focus on specific academic disciplines. CMS serves a highly diverse student population, with large African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities. The district’s budget, which exceeds $1.5 billion, funds a range of educational initiatives, including digital learning and career readiness programs. CMS is known for its commitment to equity and closing achievement gaps. However, the district faces challenges with overcrowded schools and aging facilities. Despite these issues, it remains focused on student success.

Duval County Public Schools, Florida

Duval County Public Schools serves approximately 130,000 students and operates over 150 schools. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the district offers a range of academic programs, including specialized magnet schools and career-focused academies. Duval serves a diverse population, with significant numbers of African American and Hispanic students. The district’s $1.8 billion budget helps fund its various educational initiatives, including digital learning programs and arts education. Duval County is focused on improving student outcomes, particularly in reading and math proficiency. The district faces challenges related to high levels of poverty and resource allocation. Despite these obstacles, it remains committed to providing high-quality education for all students.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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