School Facilities: Profiles of School Condition by State

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the condition of America’s schools, focusing on state-specific information about school buildings, environmental conditions, needed maintenance and costs, and financial burdens to meet federal mandates on correcting environmental hazards and providing access to the disabled.

This report provides state-by-state profiles summarizing the condition of public school facilities across the United States. Based on a national survey of school officials and administrators, it outlines the percentage of schools in each state needing major repairs, renovations, or complete rebuilding. It also details the average age of facilities, levels of overcrowding, and availability of key functional areas like science labs and accessibility features. The data reveal wide variation across states, with some reporting that over half their schools are in inadequate condition. This resource is especially useful for state education departments, school infrastructure advocates, and federal decision-makers seeking to identify gaps in school capital investments and prioritize facility improvement funding. The report underscores the need for more consistent assessment and investment strategies to ensure all students—regardless of location—have access to safe, adequate educational environments.