AdventHealth for Children in Orlando has been named one of the Best Children’s Hospitals for 2025-2026 by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the eighth consecutive year that AdventHealth for Children has ranked among the nation’s top 50 children’s hospitals and as a leading neonatology program in the United States. It was also recognized as having the best pediatric gastroenterology and GI surgery program in Central Florida.
The hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) cares for some of the most clinically complex infants, including those born as early as 22 weeks, through its Little Miracles Unit staffed by a specially trained team.
“This recognition is a reflection of the extraordinary dedication and compassion of our entire team at AdventHealth for Children that works tirelessly to bring whole-person care to our youngest patients. Every child we care for inspires us to do more, to be better, and to bring hope and healing to families when they need it most,” said Kristi Baker, senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children. “We are deeply honored to be trusted with such precious lives.”
For this year’s rankings, U.S. News partnered with RTI International to analyze data from 118 children’s hospitals across the country and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. The “Best” designation was awarded based on clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, and quality of hospital resources tied directly to patient care.
“Being a top-ranked pediatric hospital means more than just excelling in a single specialty — it means being a pillar of outstanding care for your entire region,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Our rankings acknowledge these hospitals for their comprehensive excellence, helping families find the very best care conveniently located within their state and community.”
The full list of national, regional/state, and specialty rankings can be found at USNews.com.
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida, where it was founded in 1908. The hospital serves as both a treatment center—including a dedicated pediatric ward—and as a training institution under its current president Terry Shaw.
AdventHealth for Children operates as part of this larger network and features several specialized programs: Central Florida’s only pediatric liver transplant program (in partnership with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh), the Southeast’s only lifespan Down syndrome clinic serving both children and adults, Florida’s sole multidisciplinary pediatric head and neck program, a Level IV NICU providing advanced neonatal care recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report eight years running, Central Florida’s top-rated pediatric gastroenterology & GI surgery services, and 23 pediatric-friendly emergency room locations throughout Central Florida.
The hospital has also received accolades from other organizations such as Leapfrog Group—where it was named a Top Children’s Hospital—and holds Magnet designation from the ANCC three times over.
U.S. News & World Report is known for offering independent reporting and consumer advice through unbiased rankings across sectors like education, health care, politics, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate careers, among others.
