11,500 Shootings Occurred Near US Schools Last Year

New data shows gun violence is a daily threat for many students.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:41pm

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According to a new analysis, there were around 11,500 shooting incidents within 500 yards of K-12 schools across the United States in 2025, impacting over 10,000 different schools. This averages out to about 31 shootings per day near schools, with the highest concentrations in urban areas like Chicago and Philadelphia.

Why it matters

The prevalence of gun violence near schools raises serious concerns about student and community safety, with nearly a quarter of all K-12 schools in the U.S. experiencing at least one nearby shooting incident over the past decade. This data highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the epidemic of gun violence and its impact on education.

The details

The analysis, conducted by the Get the Facts Data Team, used data from the Gun Violence Archive to track shooting incidents within 500 yards of schools. While the database is one of the most comprehensive, it may still undercount some incidents or have imprecise location data. The data shows that in 2025, about 4,500 people were killed by gunfire near schools, including suicides and suspects. Some schools, like Genevieve Melody STEM Elementary in Chicago, have seen nearly 400 nearby shootings in the past 10 years.

  • In the past 10 years, there has not been a single day without a shooting within 500 yards of a K-12 school in the U.S.
  • In 2025, there were about 11,500 shooting incidents near schools, averaging 31 per day.
  • Over the past decade, about 26% of K-12 schools have had at least one shooting nearby.

The players

Gun Violence Data Hub

An organization that tracks gun violence across the U.S. using media, law enforcement, and government reports.

Genevieve Melody STEM Elementary School

A school in Chicago that has had nearly 400 shootings within 500 yards in the past 10 years.

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What’s next

The analysis highlights the urgent need for policymakers and community leaders to address the epidemic of gun violence near schools and develop comprehensive solutions to improve student and community safety.

The takeaway

The prevalence of gun violence near schools across the U.S. is a disturbing trend that requires immediate action to protect students and ensure safe learning environments. This data underscores the critical importance of implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence and its devastating impact on communities.