Comparing the educational strengths of America's metro areas, Forbes Magazine listed the Madison metro area as the second best place in America for education. The magazine touted the area saying, "Madison boasts 78,017 public school students who...are getting one of the nation's best educations." The metro area received an A+ for its public schools.

To determine the ranking, Forbes examined the student-teacher ratio and average instructional costs. Other criteria included library popularity and university options and opportunities. The Madison metro area was sandwiched in between the top-ranked Washington D.C.-Arlington, Virginia area and the Boston, Massachusetts metro area at number three.

Supt. Art Rainwater said, "Any time you're recognized nationally it's a great thing."