LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC) — For the fifth time in as many years, Maryland’s public schools rank first in the nation according to Education Week’s annual “Quality Counts” rankings.

Maryland was the only state to receive an overall grade of B-plus in 2013.

Education Week heralded the state for helping teachers enforce early childhood education programs and holding educators to high standards.

Nearby, Virginia schools ranked fourth in the country, matching their 2012 placement.

Massachusetts, New York and Arkansas also placed in the top five.

Schools in the District ranked 45th in the nation with an overall grade of C-minus. The school system received the lowest score in the country for K-12 achievement.

The full rankings are available on the Education Week website.

WNEW’s John Domen contributed to this report. Follow him on Twitter.