States with the most public schools, 2020-21

The United States had 98,609 public schools in operation in 2020-21, according to the latest figures from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

California, the nation's most populous state, accounted for nearly 10.5% of the nation's public schools--10,328 public schools.

Delaware had the fewest public schools--225, NCES says.

Here are the states with the most public schools in operation, 2020-21

• California                           10,328
• Texas                                    9,002
• New York                             4,807
• Illinois                                  4,384
• Florida                                  4,219
• Ohio                                      3,531
• Michigan                              3,526
• Pennsylvania                       2,947
• North Carolina                    2,683
• New Jersey                          2,565