Paraíba has the third-highest average score in the Northeast among state school systems on the Enem and ranks among the top 11 in Brazil

Paraíba achieved the third-highest average score in the Northeast among state public school systems on the National High School Exam (Enem), solidifying its position among the region's top-performing states. Nationally, Paraíba's state system ranks 11th out of the 27 federal units.

The analysis was based on microdata from the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (Inep) and focused exclusively on state public school students who took all parts of the Enem and received valid scores, excluding participants who scored zero on the essay or whose scores were not released. This criterion aligns with the methodology Inep uses to analyze participant performance.

In the Northeast, Paraíba recorded an average score of 508.43 points, trailing only Pernambuco (511.36) and Ceará (510.73). Following them were Sergipe (506.89), Rio Grande do Norte (502.69), Piauí (495.09), Bahia (492.97), Alagoas (487.26), and Maranhão (486.72).

The study also considered only schools belonging to state education systems across all federal units. This methodology avoids distortions caused by the inclusion of private or federal schools, allowing for a more accurate comparison among state education systems.

Paraíba's performance reflects a set of public policies aimed at strengthening learning and expanding educational opportunities within the state system. Among the initiatives developed by the State Department of Education is *Se Liga no Enem*, which offers in-person and online classes, review sessions, mock exams, and academic support to high school seniors. Another is *Desafio Nota 1000*, a program aimed at improving writing skills and strengthening the competencies required for the Enem essay exam.

These results also reflect investments made in the state school system's infrastructure. In 2025 alone, 23 schools were delivered—either newly built, expanded, or renovated—providing better conditions for educational activities and the teaching-learning process.

Expanding the use of educational technologies is another strategic focus. The Department has been strengthening instruction through investments in robotics labs and competitions, as well as the implementation of new technological resources in schools. Recent initiatives include *Amanhã Digital*, a program designed to foster a digital culture and innovation, and to develop technological skills among students and teachers in the state system.

Commenting on Paraíba's performance in the national rankings, State Secretary of Education Erivonaldo Alves emphasized that the results should be analyzed using a methodology that applies uniform criteria across all states, allowing for a more accurate comparison between state education systems.

"This result is highly significant because it employs a single methodology for all states and considers exclusively the performance of students within state systems who have valid scores. This allows for a fairer and more transparent comparison. Ranking among the top three state systems in the Northeast and the top 11 in Brazil demonstrates that investments in education—ranging from school infrastructure to Enem preparation programs and pedagogical innovation—are helping to strengthen learning and expand opportunities for our students," the Secretary highlighted.