National education indicators for children and teens have mostly worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic with lower preschool participation and declines in 4th grade reading and 8th grade math achievement. A small bump in graduation rates marked the only education-related bright spot, according to the 2025 Kids Count report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, released Monday.
In addition to education, the annual report examines progress on indicators for economic well-being, health, and family and community as related to children. Collectively, the report shows steady progress in some areas from 2019 to 2023, but setbacks in others. Of the 16 indicators, seven improved, six worsened and three stayed the same.
On a positive note, there were reductions in childhood poverty, children living in high-poverty areas and teen births. The report also found increases in health insurance coverage, secure parental employment, heads of households with at least a high school diploma, and on-time high school graduation rates.
On the downside, more teens were not attending school and not working, and the death rate for children and teens increased.
At the state level, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts ranked in the top three for overall child well-being, while Mississippi, Louisiana and New Mexico sat at the bottom.
The Casey Foundation said it will take effort by leaders at local, state and federal levels to ensure kids grow up healthy; have opportunities to learn, play and grow; and enjoy stable homes, strong schools, nutritious food and meaningful relationships.
“By staying grounded in data and driven by what children and families say they need, we can help ensure that all young people have the chance to thrive and contribute meaningfully as adults, helping to grow our future workforce, reduce long-term social and economic costs and build a stronger society for everyone,” said Lisa Lawson, president and CEO of the Casey Foundation, in a statement.
Here are other standout figures from the Kids Count report:
