News Summary
Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego has been recognized as one of the top 10 children’s hospitals in the U.S. for the third consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital also ranks No. 1 in California and has maintained consistent rankings across specialties for nine years, showcasing its commitment to exceptional pediatric care. Notably, the hospital has excelled in key specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, and neonatal care. The recent merger with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County has further strengthened its healthcare system.
San Diego, California – Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego has achieved the prestigious designation of being one of the top 10 children’s hospitals in the United States for the third consecutive year, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll. This recognition places Rady Children’s among the elite group of hospitals recognized for exceptional pediatric care, with only ten facilities receiving this honor nationally.
In addition to its national ranking, Rady Children’s Hospital has also tied for the No. 1 pediatric hospital in California and the Pacific Region. The hospital has maintained a remarkable streak of nine years of rankings across all surveyed specialties, further solidifying its commitment to providing top-tier healthcare for children.
Top Specialties
Rady Children’s Hospital has excelled in several key specialty areas, achieving remarkable rankings in the following fields:
- Cardiology and Heart Surgery: ranked No. 6
- Orthopedics: ranked No. 7
- Neonatology: ranked No. 8
- Diabetes and Endocrinology: ranked No. 10
Recent Developments
In January 2025, Rady Children’s Hospital merged with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, leading to the formation of Rady Children’s Health. This merger has resulted in the largest pediatric healthcare system on the West Coast, which now comprises three hospitals alongside a network of primary and specialty care centers spanning six counties.
Commitment to Excellence
Patrick Frias, co-president and CEO of Rady Children’s Health, expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting the dedication and excellence demonstrated by the team in delivering pediatric care. The rankings are based on thorough data collection, involving assessments of clinical outcomes, compliance with best practices, and the quality of hospital resources that directly impact patient care.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report, in collaboration with RTI International, gathered data from 118 children’s hospitals and conducted surveys involving thousands of pediatric specialists. This comprehensive analysis aimed to create an overview of the performance of children’s hospitals across the nation as well as within states and regions.
Behavioral Health Evaluation
For the second consecutive year, the evaluation expanded to include pediatric and adolescent behavioral health services. This area addresses critical conditions such as autism, anxiety, and depression, which are increasingly prevalent among youth. National data indicates that 1 in 5 U.S. children experiences a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder, with nearly 1 in 3 youth aged 12 to 17 facing mental or behavioral health challenges.
Six hospitals in California were ranked among the top 50 nationally for behavioral health services in the 2025-2026 report, further emphasizing the importance of mental health care in pediatric services.
National Context
The list of top pediatric hospitals features other highly regarded institutions, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital, all of which received high rankings for their performance across various specialties. The rankings serve as a valuable resource for parents and caregivers searching for quality care for children with serious illnesses or complex medical needs.
The full rankings will be accessible in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2026 Guidebook,” providing detailed insights into the state of pediatric health care across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Rady Children’s Hospital Ranked Among Top 10 in Nation
- Wikipedia: Children’s Hospital
- Fierce Healthcare: Familiar Names in Top Children’s Hospital Rankings
- Google Search: Pediatric Healthcare
- Parents: Best Children’s Hospitals in America
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- The News Tribune: Children’s Hospital Rankings
- Google News: Children’s Hospitals
- Cincinnati.com: Cincinnati Children’s Named Top 10 Hospital
- PR Newswire: U.S. News Announces 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
