Atlanta, GA, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has been named the leading children’s hospital in the Southeast region according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. The report emphasizes the importance of behavioral health, revealing that 1 in 5 U.S. children face mental health issues. Although CHOA did not rank among the top nationwide in this category, its regional excellence is highlighted, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality healthcare for children.
Atlanta, GA – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Recognized as Top Children’s Hospital in Southeast in U.S. News Rankings
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has been recognized as the leading children’s hospital in the Southeast region according to the 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals ranking released by U.S. News & World Report. This annual report is designed to assist parents and caregivers in identifying quality care for children with serious illnesses, providing crucial information about hospital performance across the nation, state, and region.
This year’s rankings saw a significant focus on behavioral health, marking the second time this area has been evaluated. Given the rising concerns over mental health in children, this aspect gained particular attention. The report highlighted that 1 in 5 U.S. children has a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, with almost 1 in 3 youths aged 12-17 managing a mental or behavioral health condition.
While CHOA did not secure a spot among the top 50 hospitals nationwide in the behavioral health category, its regional excellence is evident as it ranks first in the Southeast. The CEO of CHOA expressed pride in this recognition, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare.
Ranking Methodology
The rankings assess hospitals based on various criteria including clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, and the quality of resources offered. This thorough evaluation process helps ensure that families can access reliable and effective medical care for their children.
Top Children’s Hospitals Nationwide
The report also listed the top five hospitals in several pediatric specialties:
- Pediatric Cancer:
- Cincinnati Children’s
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
- Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery:
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Duke Children’s Hospital
- MUSC Children’s Heart Network
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Neonatology:
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
- Cincinnati Children’s
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery:
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Children’s National Hospital
- Cincinnati Children’s
- Pediatric Orthopedics:
- Children’s Medical Center Dallas
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Cincinnati Children’s
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital (tie)
Honor Roll and National Recognition
The Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll recognizes the following institutions for their exceptional care:
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Children’s National Hospital
- Cincinnati Children’s
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Rady Children’s Hospital
- Seattle Children’s Hospital
- Texas Children’s Hospital
This year marks the 19th year of the rankings, celebrating the achievements and capabilities of 86 pediatric hospitals nationwide. These evaluations serve as an essential tool for families seeking specialized healthcare for their children.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Southeast Hospital | Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta |
| Behavioral Health Ranking | First in Southeast Region |
| Top Hospitals List | Includes leading hospitals in various pediatric specialties |
| Honor Roll | Recognizes ten exceptional children’s hospitals |
| Year of Rankings | 19th Year |
| Total Hospitals Evaluated | 86 Nationwide |
FAQ
What does the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals ranking cover?
The report includes national, state, and regional rankings to assist parents and caregivers in finding quality care for children with serious illnesses.
What is the significance of behavioral health in this year’s rankings?
Behavioral health was evaluated for the second time, covering mental and behavioral health conditions for children and teens.
How prevalent are mental and behavioral health issues among children?
According to the report, 1 in 5 U.S. children has a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, and nearly 1 in 3 youths aged 12-17 manage a mental or behavioral health condition.
Which hospital ranked first in the Southeast for behavioral health?
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta ranked first in the Southeast region for behavioral health.
How many hospitals underwent evaluation in the rankings?
This year, 86 pediatric hospitals nationwide were evaluated for the rankings.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Recognized
- Google Search: children’s healthcare of atlanta
- WGAU Radio: Top Pediatric Hospitals in Southeast
- Wikipedia: Children’s healthcare
- WSB TV: Shriners Children’s Hospital Agreement
- Google Scholar: Children’s healthcare of atlanta
- 11 Alive: CHOA Named Top Pediatric Hospital
- Encyclopedia Britannica: children’s healthcare
- Fox 5 Atlanta: CHOA Employee Action
- Google News: Children’s healthcare of atlanta
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