Schools
Here Are The Best 100 Public Schools in Wisconsin for 2017
The rankings were released this week. Find out how your child's school performed here:
BROOKFIELD, WI -- With all the attention on public education of late because of the contentious confirmation fight of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, this report card on Wisconsin public schools couldn't come at a better time.
The list of the best public schools in Wisconsin was compiled by Niche based on criteria such as academics and outcomes. Most areas of the state can claim bragging rights with schools in the top-10 spots.
Niche, a website for researching schools, used a variety of factors including SAT/ACT scores, student-teacher ratio, the quality of colleges students consider, and reviews from students and parents for its ranking.
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1. Middleton High School
Niche User:Middleton High School is a fabulous school for academics, sports, arts and extracurricular activities.
Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
High School Senior:This was a great school to attend because it is well known for its excellent education and sports. Also, there are no problems with bullying and it is easy to make great friends.
Niche User:Whitefish Bay High school is undoubtedly the best public school in the state. It gives you every opportunity to thrive as possible, and is honestly better than any private school I know of on multiple levels.
High School Senior:Homestead is one of those schools with the classic preppy group of students.
Niche User:Nicolet has been a positive experience for three of my children, with the last of my children having the most positive experience. It has provided an excellent education, prepared my children for the 21st century, and prepared them for college.
The staff cares about the welfare and education of all of their students. I believe the school has developed and grown over the years to help all students find a place that fits.
High School Junior:So far, two and a half months into this school, I love it.
High School Senior:Although I haven't attended any other high school, I love Shorewood. There are so many different people and so many opportunities to get involved and have amazing life experiences.
High School Senior:Brookfield Central is a great school. I have made so many amazing friends and the staff is incredible. There is always so much going on, and it's truly a healthy, safe environment that is easy to learn and flourish in.
High School Senior:It's one of 40 blue ribbon schools in the country. We have had very good sports teams. Not too big and not too small. Very good academically. Have great friends. Pretty safe school too.
Niche User:I love everything about my school, the people are friendly and the teachers are willing to help when you need it. I love my classes because there teachers make it interesting enough for me to enjoy learning.
High School Senior:The most commendable thing that Arrowhead has to offer, in my opinion, is the variety of classes.
High School Senior:It's a great school with an incredible amount of opportunities for students regardless of interest. There are tons of advanced placement and honors courses, and there's all kinds of opportunities for athletics, performance, theater, etc. They're also very open to kids doing multiple activities- the coaches will work out time conflicts, which takes the pressure off of the student.
High School Senior:I loved the opportunities given through the foreign language department to travel. I went with about thirty other students to Spain and it was unforgettable. My classes are all well-taught and interactive.
High School Senior:Everybody knows everything about everybody and sometimes it's nice but if you make one wrong move it can be brutal. Also the community is great and very friendly.
High School Senior:My experience at my school has been pretty great.
High School Senior:We have fantastic teachers at my high school. They definitely know what they're teaching and are very helpful with our success as students. They just want us to do well and learn everything they have to offer us.
Parent:The school overall is very good. While the teachers aren't very friendly or personable, they are passionate about the kids and their education. The athletics program is the best I've ever seen.
Niche User:Waunakee High School is one of the best schools to attend in the Madison area. We have a wonderful staff - teachers, counselors, principals - who know students on an individual level.
Niche User:Marshfield High School is THE school to prepare you for college. There are so many ways to get involved in different organizations, clubs, and enclaves.
Niche User:One of my favorite experiences every year at my high school is homecoming week. W
21
Onalaska High School
High School Senior:Onalaska High School is a great school to go to. I had have so many good experiences here, but there are a lot of bad experiences here too.
22
Memorial High School
High School Senior:I truly like my high school, academic wise, because teachers and authority really try to help me. They want me to succeed and go further in school.
23
Slinger High School
High School Senior:Slinger High School has a great atmosphere in all the halls and classrooms. The principal comes out in the halls and interacts with the kids.
24
East High School
High School Senior:I've loved my time at East thus far! I've made fantastic friends, as well as many fantastic memories.
25
Hamilton High School
High School Senior:This school has been great, and has helped shape me as an adult. Everything from the teachers to the athletic programs has been nothing but great. I have had a lot of fun at this school and I recommend it to any parent looking for schools to send their children.
26
Verona Area High School
Niche User:I really loved attending this school. The teachers that I had were all super nice, and there was never a day where I was bored in class.
27
Menomonee Falls High School
Niche User:The teachers actually care about their students, which is fantastic. They interact with kids and make sure each of them is doing well in every class instead of just their own. It's nice to know that people actually care about the students because a lot of kids don't get that at home.
28
Monona Grove High School
High School Senior:I love going to school. I met a lot of new friends. I was on the girls soccer team and that was super fun. There are great teachers and a lot of activities to get involved in. In my junior year the boys football went to state.
29
Gibraltar High School
Niche User:Gibraltar has a long tradition of being one of the top academic schools in Wisconsin and prides itself on hiring and maintaining highly qualified teachers.
30
Waterford High School
High School Senior: What makes this school unique is how the teachers are so helpful to all their students and trying their best so they succeed.
31
West De Pere High School
High School Senior:The school is updated and had some really great teachers and guidance counselors. Most of the school funding goes into the football team. For how much money has been stuck into this school they did not invest in a swimming pool.
32
Kettle Moraine High School
High School Senior:Overall the parents of students here at KM are heavily involved in attending sporting events, and in guiding their kids along the right path.
33
Neenah High School
High School Senior:The way everyone is so enthusiastic.
34
River Falls High School
High School Senior:The school is really nice overall. Like always you're going to run into some bad teachers but most are really really nice and helpful.
35
West High School
High School Senior:I feel as though in some of my classes I am getting a good education preparing me for college.
36
Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy
Niche User:While attending WEPA I felt that I mattered and that i wasn't just part of the class. All my major classes the teacher took interest in me and talked to me if i was struggling.
37
Waukesha Academy of Health Professions
High School Senior:I love the Waukesha Academy of Health Professions. I get to take multiple classes that are unique and medically based, versus traditional elective classes.
38
West High School
High School Senior:I wouldn't say anything bad about this school. It is very diverse and the content of the school itself it just great. It also has a Renaissance charter school for the Arts. It really lets you express who you really are. Honestly I love it overall.
39
Sevastopol High School
High School Senior:Moving from a big city was a big change when I arrived at a school that only has 40 kids in my graduating class. I loved how everyone knew your name and was able to greet you when you walked through the door.
40
Grafton High School
Niche User:I personally had a lot of positive experiences at this school, I wouldn't change it for the world. I also had a lot of dull ones too.
41
Bay Port High School
Niche User:Bay Port High School was amazing. The staff was excellent and very caring. They showed extreme knowledge in their fields as well as caring about the students individually. The athletic and arts are very strong during this school.
42
Logan High School
High School Sophomore:There is so much support from everyone especially teachers. They put on these award ceremonies not just for the sport kids, but also the academic kids.
43
Hudson High School
High School Junior:Hudson High School is a pretty good place to get prepared for college. Most problems that plague this school will be found at almost every other school in the U.S.
44
West High School
High School Senior:I really like the mod schedule. I think it prepares you more for a college type schedule. Especially because during your off mods it's up to you to go to a resource center to study or good off in the commons.
45
Mount Horeb High School
Niche User:I met so many amazing people during my time at Mount Horeb High School. I met Teachers who have supported me, and helped me to see my own strengths and friends who are so caring and supportive.
46
Muskego High School
Niche User: The focus given his freshman year to freshman incoming classes really helped get him off on the right foot. It helps the students see how to focus their efforts.
47
Stevens Point Area Senior High School
Niche User:What I liked about this school was the teachers were friendly and they really helped me when I needed help, there were more class courses, the students were nice as well, the school is pretty big and lastly, the school offers each of the students to have laptops and use them each classes.
48
McFarland High School
Niche User The teachers here are the best and I have really great relationships with most of them. They really look out for us students.
49
Lakeview Technology Academy
Parent:I love technology and plan to study technology at college and work in a technology related job after I graduate college.
50
Oregon High School
High School Junior:This high school might not be very pretty to look at from the outside, but it is a very good school.
51
Mukwonago High School
High School Senior:The school has many opportunities to become involved, but it definitely focuses on sports over anything else.
52
Wrightstown High School
High School Senior:I've joined many clubs and extracurricular activities which have made me an active student.
53
Badger High School
High School Senior:The academics and variety of extracurriculars is amazing.
54
Platteville High School
55
Fort Atkinson High School
High School Senior:I have really enjoyed Fort Atkinson High School. This school offers many elective classes, as well as many opportunities to join sports, musicals, and other activities.
56
Washington Island High School
57
D.C. Everest High School
Niche User:There is a lot of control over the hallways for both the barely-passers and the AP students. Also, AP classes do not give any extra benefit toward a GPA, resulting in undeserved GPA by the lower-level classmates
58
Williams Bay High School
High School Senior:One thing that sets my school apart from the rest would be how close and friendly everyone is.
59
Rufus King International School
High School Senior:This school has a high focus on athletics and an even higher focus on academics. The teachers here will support your decisions and they understand that they aren’t your only class.
60
Germantown High School
High School Senior:I would definitely choose this school again if I could do it over. There is a wonderful selection of AP and honors classes, and (most) higher level teachers are always willing to help.
61
West High School
High School Freshman:I love school but despise the grading policy. So much is offered and I love going to school and learning. I can hang out with friends while maintaining a place on honor roll. Here, I feel very motivated.
62
Rice Lake High School
Niche User:I like this school, I've made a lot of solid friends, and there are a lot of great people here.
63
Marathon High School
Niche User:I've had an excellent high school experience. I've been active in sports, clubs, and academics.
64
North High School
High School Senior:I would definitely choose this school again for a couple of reasons. First one is how much freedom we get, it's amazing how much trust they have on us. Second reason is how much variety we have for classes. Another reason is how competitive they are for sports.
65
De Pere High School
High School Senior:School has been great so far. Lots of AP classes and clubs exist so there is something for everyone (we even have a fondue club). There are plenty of interesting teachers, but the technology is not merciful.
66
Hillsboro High School
Niche User:Attending the Hillsboro High School has been pretty great. Students seem to get along with just about anybody and the faculty are very welcome. I would totally love to come back to this school and do it all over again.
67
Brown Deer Middle/High School
High School Senior:Brown Deer has an excellent teaching staff, with a few exceptions like any other school, who encourage students to learn and constantly try their best.
68
Holmen High School
High School Junior:Overall my experience in Holmen High school has been superb so far. One of my favorite experience in this school is the club activities and sports.
69
Lodi High School
70
Reagan College Preparatory High School
High School Junior:While Reagan is a troublesome school in certain areas, the school really helps to prepare you for college. With emphasis on ACT testing, college fairs, and high level classes you can feel well prepared for your life ahead of you if you set your mind to it and pay attention to what information and opportunities you are given at Reagan.
71
East High School
High School Senior:My overall experience at my high school has been great. The teachers are so welcoming to others even if they do not have them in their classes. The classes are rigorous but well-worth taking.
72
Hartford High School
High School Sophomore:I really love that they take the music program seriously and that they have a lot of advanced courses. I wish we put more money into the less popular sports like cross country. All the money goes to football.
73
Cambridge High School
Niche User:My school is great but it has its downsides. There is a decent amount of freedom when choosing classes and if we don't offer it in house, there is an online class for it.
74
Walden III High School
High School Senior:I am very happy that I chose Walden III as my high school. All the teachers give you respect and expect the same.
75
Lincoln High School
High School Senior:This is a pretty good school with a lot to offer. I love homecoming week when we have dress up days for every day of the week. It's always a fun time to let loose and have a fun time at school, and it's always fun to see what people wear each day.
76
Whitnall High School
Niche User:Overall my experience was great. I had several teachers who cared beyond just what they had to do as well as a very welcoming classroom atmosphere.
77
Washburn High School
High School Senior:I think this is a great school. The teachers are generally very willing to help students one on one. However, I do think that the dress code should be enforced more.
78
Eisenhower Middle/High School
79
Tesla Engineering Charter School
80
Saint Croix Central High School
High School Junior:Overall, the school is great. Many advanced classes are offered and most teachers treat everyone equally and try to teach the best they can.
81
Mondovi High School
82
New Glarus High School
High School Senior:This school has given me nothing but great opportunities to better myself as a student, athlete, and person. Everybody from superintendent to the janitorial staff always does their best to make sure our school is a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
83
Prentice High School
84
Preble High School
Niche User:I really did enjoy going here. Focusing on the positives, I never personally experienced or was around any form of bullying. There is a zero tolerance for it and I really appreciated that.
85
Osceola High School
High School Senior:I have enjoyed my high school experience here. The teachers are all very helpful and willing to put in extra time to teach you if you're willing to learn.
86
Ashwaubenon High School
High School Sophomore:Coming as a freshman, I was well prepared for high school.
87
Oak Creek High School
High School Senior:Most of the teachers at Oak Creek do genuinely care about their students and they make their classrooms fun learning environments.
88
East High School
High School Senior:Everyone is very welcoming and understanding. The teachers are also very helpful with homework and things that are going on in your life. If you are having a hard time most teachers are understandable and help.
89
Baraboo High School
Niche User:The school had a good education system. Baraboo High School offers a variety of classes and the most recent technology. Although there wasn't as much diversity, I obtained a good education from my teachers.
90
Southwest High School
High School Junior:Overall, Southwest is a pretty decent high school. I was on the varsity softball team since my freshman year and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.
91
New Richmond High School
High School Senior:This school tries to keep current with a lot of things, like technology and updating the food choices. The teachers are all willing to go out of their way to help you out.
92
Northland Pines High School
High School Junior:There are very good teachers who are willing to help give further guidance. The facilities are excellent, and the students and staff keep the school in good shape.
93
Altoona High School
High School Senior:I have a great group of friends I feel there has not been enough academic choices available. I would like a larger school with more opportunities.
94
Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School
High School Senior:I would recommend this school to people who want to have fun but are willing to learn.
95
La Follette High School
High School Senior:My overall experience with this school is honestly amazing.
96
Iola-Scandinavia High School
97
Memorial High School
High School Senior:Going to Beloit Memorial High School has been a great experience for me so far.
98
Dodgeville High School
Niche User:At Dodgeville High School I made some of the best friends I'll ever meet and was influenced by some of the greatest teachers I was lucky enough to have.
99
Whitewater High School
High School Senior:Sports are given different weights, some boys swimmer made it to nationals, support not as high when girls basketball made it to state. Cross country team went to state, not many people were aware.
100
Howards Grove High School
Niche User:This school provides many opportunities to be a leader. I was able to make myself stand out by being a officer for SkillsUSA, being apart of charity events, and also a leader in the classroom.
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