Best public high schools in Wisconsin
As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a ’96 commencement address at Wellesley College, “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” If that’s the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
It’s a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, public education is key: 49.4 million students enrolled in public pre-K-12 schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Of those, about a third were in high school, enrolled across about 23,500 public secondary schools nationwide.
For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these public high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to get into better school districts. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students.
Stacker compiled a list of the 30 best public high schools in Wisconsin using 2023 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students. School districts are provided when available; otherwise, the city is listed instead.
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#30. West High School
– Location: Wauwatosa School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,069 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#29. Kohler High School
– Location: Kohler School District, WI
– Enrollment: 217 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#28. Slinger High School
– Location: Slinger School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,069 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#27. Verona Area High School
– Location: Verona Area School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,737 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#26. West De Pere High School
– Location: West De Pere School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,028 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
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#25. Marshfield High School
– Location: School District of Marshfield, WI
– Enrollment: 1,232 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#24. Muskego High School
– Location: Muskego-Norway School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,676 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#23. Franklin High School
– Location: Franklin Public Schools, WI
– Enrollment: 1,573 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#22. Sun Prairie East High School
– Location: Sun Prairie Area School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,779 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#21. Greendale High School
– Location: Greendale School District, WI
– Enrollment: 948 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
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#20. Menomonee Falls High School
– Location: Menomonee Falls School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,319 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#19. Waunakee Community High School
– Location: Waunakee Community School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,352 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#18. East High School
– Location: Wauwatosa School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,079 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#17. Lakeview Technology Academy
– Location: Kenosha School District, WI
– Enrollment: 394 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#16. Hamilton High School
– Location: Hamilton School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,532 (5:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
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#15. Eisenhower Middle/High School
– Location: New Berlin School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,044 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#14. West High School
– Location: Madison Metropolitan School District, WI
– Enrollment: 2,175 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#13. Arrowhead High School
– Location: Hartland, WI
– Enrollment: 2,082 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#12. Pewaukee High School
– Location: Pewaukee School District, WI
– Enrollment: 846 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#11. Cedarburg High School
– Location: Cedarburg School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,110 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
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#10. Nicolet Union High School
– Location: Glendale, WI
– Enrollment: 1,090 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#9. Memorial High School
– Location: Madison Metropolitan School District, WI
– Enrollment: 2,078 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#8. Homestead High School
– Location: Mequon-Thiensville School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,266 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
#7. High School of Health Sciences
– Location: Kettle Moraine School District, WI
– Enrollment: 190 (21:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#6. Reagan College Preparatory High School
– Location: Milwaukee Public Schools, WI
– Enrollment: 1,344 (21:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
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#5. Middleton High School
– Location: Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, WI
– Enrollment: 2,271 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#4. Brookfield Central High School
– Location: Elmbrook School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,200 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#3. Whitefish Bay High School
– Location: Whitefish Bay School District, WI
– Enrollment: 951 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#2. Shorewood High School
– Location: Shorewood School District, WI
– Enrollment: 635 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
#1. Brookfield East High School
– Location: Elmbrook School District, WI
– Enrollment: 1,337 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A+
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
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By Stacker
Isn’t it great to see Wisconsin’s top public high schools excelling in college prep? They really focus on academics, extracurriculars, and support services, which makes a huge difference for students!
It’s impressive to see how well these schools prepare students for college. The dedication to academic excellence really stands out in their programs. Some folks might overlook how vital extracurriculars and support services are, but you clearly get that they make a massive impact on students’ success.
It truly is inspiring to see how well these schools prepare students for their future academic endeavors. Their commitment to college readiness truly makes a positive impact on student success. I appreciate your insight!
It’s incredible how these schools prioritize college prep, setting students up for success. I’ve also seen some great resources like SAT prep workshops and college counseling programs really make a difference. What do you think about the role of extracurriculars in enhancing college readiness?
Considering a move to Wisconsin? Checking out these top public high schools could be a game-changer for your kids’ education! Engaging with students and teachers can really show you what each school is all about.
Curious about what makes these schools so great for college prep? Kohler High is at the top, and I love their small classes and close teacher support. Slinger and Verona also impress with strong academics. West De Pere and Marshfield create awesome learning vibes too! And don’t overlook Muskego and Franklin – they’ve got solid student support as well. If you’re up for exploring beyond these top picks, there are hidden gems in Wisconsin that focus on college readiness too! Some even offer cool AP courses and great extracurriculars that really help with college skills. What are your thoughts on these schools?
Wisconsin’s schools are truly impressive! With great student support and awesome extracurriculars, students get the best prep for college. Those unique opportunities really help build skills for the future!
It’s so great to see Wisconsin schools focusing on holistic education and student growth!
Isn’t it inspiring to see so many high schools in Wisconsin focusing on both academics and student well-being? I love that they’re not just pushing for grades but also offering great resources like mental health services, advanced courses, and clubs. It’s all about setting students up for real success!
Isn’t it fascinating how the top public high schools in Wisconsin focus on getting students ready for college? I love that many offer unique programs like AP courses and great counseling services. Plus, the vibrant extracurriculars really help with student growth. It’s no wonder families move for these schools!
These schools sound fantastic! If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in one, definitely check out the extracurriculars – the clubs and sports can really make high school memorable. Plus, chatting with current students or parents can offer some great insights into the school vibe!