The states with the best and worst schools are generally what you imagine.

Something called Education Week ranked every state on their education system rated over six metrics. Most of the metrics are standardized tests/ratings, which is another way of saying "What's the laziest way we can compare statistics?"

Regardless, the top five states for schools, per Education Week's laziness, are (best-to-worst):

1.  Maryland
2.  Massachusetts
3.  New York
4.  Virginia
5.  Arkansas

The worst five states for schools (worst-to-best):

1.  South Dakota
2.  Nevada
3.  Idaho
4.  Mississippi
5.  Alaska

Admittedly, I'm not sure South Dakota is a real state. I think I saw it on a map once. But I also once saw a map of Tatooine, too, so these things are suspect.