Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford Ranks Among Top Children’s Hospitals by 'U.S. News & World Report' and Ties for Best in Northern California

Nationally recognized in all pediatric specialties, with two specialties ranked in the top 5

Key rankings:

  • Best Children’s Hospital in Northern California
  • Ranked No. 2 Children’s Hospital in California
  • Top 5 nationally in two specialties: Neonatology and Nephrology
  • Top 10 nationally in four specialties: Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery

For release: Sept 15, 2026

STANFORD, Calif. —Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, was named among the nation’s top pediatric medical centers, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2026–2027 Best Children’s Hospitals survey. Packard Children’s tied for the top ranking in Northern California and ranked No. 2 (tie) in the state. 

For the 11th straight year, Packard Children’s, the center of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, ranked nationally in all 11 pediatric specialties in the survey, underscoring the hospital’s unwavering dedication to delivering highly specialized, multidisciplinary pediatric care. 

Four of the hospital’s specialties ranked in the top 10 nationwide:

The national rankings identify the top 50 pediatric facilities across the country, listing Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as a pediatric center that continues to deliver high-quality care across multiple specialties and shapes the future of healthcare and medical research. The hospital is also tied for being the highest-ranking center in Northern California.

Additional pediatric specialties that earned national recognition were Cancer; Cardiology and Heart Surgery; Diabetes and Endocrinology; Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery; Orthopedics; Urology; and Adolescent Behavioral Health.

“This marks the 22nd consecutive year we have been ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospitals, and we are deeply honored to be recognized,” said Paul A. King, CEO of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and staff who provide their exceptional expertise and world-class care to every child and mother we serve. Through our nationally recognized specialty programs and groundbreaking research, we continue to advance pediatric medicine and improve outcomes for children and families everywhere.”

Packard Children’s also ranked No. 3 (tie) in the Pacific Region and is Best in the West for Neonatology and Nephrology. These distinctions reinforce the hospital’s position as a leading destination for pediatric care and a trusted resource for families.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings are a comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals. They help families of children with rare or life-threatening illnesses find high-quality medical care available in consultation with their doctors and other medical professionals. 

Media Contact

Michelle Macaluso
Mmacaluso@StanfordChildrens.org
(650) 546-1363

About Stanford Medicine Children's Health

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford at its center, is the Bay Area’s largest healthcare system exclusively dedicated to children and expectant mothers. Our network of care includes more than 65 locations across Northern California and more than 85 locations in the U.S. Western region. Along with Stanford Health Care and the Stanford School of Medicine, we are part of Stanford Medicine, an ecosystem harnessing the potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education, and clinical care to improve health outcomes around the world. We are a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the community through meaningful outreach programs and services and providing necessary medical care to families, regardless of their ability to pay. Discover more at stanfordchildrens.org.