U.S. News Releases 2025–2026 Best Children’s Hospitals Rankings

ByDennis Dailey

Behavioral health evaluation expands as pediatric hospitals continue to advance specialty care

Washington, D.C. — October 7, 2025 — U.S. News & World Report has announced the 2025–2026 edition of its Best Children’s Hospitals rankings, highlighting 86 pediatric institutions recognized for excellence across 11 specialties, including a renewed focus on behavioral and mental health.

Now in its 19th year, the annual rankings serve as a guide for parents, caregivers, and clinicians seeking specialized care for children with serious or complex conditions. The evaluations measure performance across clinical outcomes, patient safety, adherence to best practices, and the quality of hospital resources that directly affect pediatric care.

This year marks the second annual inclusion of Pediatric and Adolescent Behavioral Health, reflecting a nationwide emphasis on improving access to mental health services for children and teens. Hospitals were assessed on their ability to care for patients with conditions such as autism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, learning and language disorders, and substance use disorders.

“U.S. News has long assisted parents and caregivers in finding the best possible care for children with serious illnesses or complex medical needs,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News.
“Our continued evaluation of the top hospitals for pediatric and adolescent behavioral health empowers families with the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s well-being and health.”

2025–2026 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll

The following 10 hospitals earned a place on this year’s Honor Roll, listed in alphabetical order:

  • Boston Children’s Hospital
  • Children’s Hospital Colorado (Aurora, CO)
  • Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Children’s National Hospital (Washington, D.C.)
  • Cincinnati Children’s
  • Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, OH)
  • Rady Children’s Hospital (San Diego)
  • Seattle Children’s Hospital
  • Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston)

Specialty Rankings

Neonatology

  1. Boston Children’s Hospital
  2. Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston)
  3. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford (Palo Alto, CA)
  4. Cincinnati Children’s
  5. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery

  1. Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston)
  2. Boston Children’s Hospital
  3. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  4. Children’s National Hospital (Washington, D.C.)
  5. Cincinnati Children’s

Pediatric Orthopedics

  1. Children’s Medical Center Dallas–Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center
  2. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
  3. Cincinnati Children’s
  4. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
  5. (tie) Boston Children’s Hospital
  6. (tie) Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston)

Methodology and Overview

For the 2025–2026 rankings, U.S. News, in partnership with RTI International, a North Carolina–based research organization, collected and analyzed data from 118 children’s hospitals nationwide. Thousands of pediatric specialists were also surveyed to identify hospitals providing exceptional care in their fields.

Hospitals receiving a “Best” designation excelled in key performance areas, including clinical outcomes, compliance with evidence-based care standards, and quality of hospital infrastructure and staffing.

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