The 20th edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Children's Hospitals rankings is here, and it comes with a couple of notable shake-ups. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh are the newest additions to the prestigious "Honor Roll" — an unranked best-of-the-best tier — while Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego has exited the list, bringing the total number of Honor Roll hospitals to 11.

At the specialty level, Boston Children's Hospital was the clear standout, earning the #1 ranking in seven of the ten pediatric specialties evaluated. Texas Children's Hospital led in Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Diabetes & Endocrinology, while Children's Health Dallas-Scottish Rite for Children topped the Orthopedics category.

The rankings evaluated clinical data from 114 of 199 eligible hospitals and incorporated survey responses from more than 40% of U.S. physicians. Scores are weighted heavily toward structural measures and processes (over 50%), with outcomes accounting for roughly a third and physician expert opinion making up 10% or less.

By the Numbers:

• 114 hospitals evaluated out of 199 eligible
• 11 hospitals named to the Honor Roll
• 90 hospitals received at least one recognition
• Boston Children's ranked #1 in 7 of 10 specialties

Why it matters: These rankings serve as a key reference point for families navigating complex pediatric care decisions and carry significant reputational weight for hospitals — often shaping where patients seek specialized treatment.