Choosing the right school district for your child is one of the most important decisions parents can make. In Wisconsin, families are fortunate to have a variety of excellent options, each offering unique educational experiences and opportunities.
This guide will explore the top school districts for 2025, highlighting those that stand out for their academic performance, teacher quality, extracurricular offerings, and overall student experience.
1. Elmbrook School District
| City | Brookfield |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 10 |
| Students | 7,781 |
Top Schools
- Brookfield East High School
- Pilgrim Park Middle School
Elmbrook is known for its academic rigor and a strong commitment to preparing students for college. The district focuses on providing individualized attention and fostering a supportive community for students.
2. Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
| City | Middleton |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 12 |
| Students | 7,263 |
Top Schools
- Middleton High School
- Kromrey Middle School
Middleton-Cross Plains offers a broad range of programs, particularly in STEM fields. It is well-regarded for preparing students for higher education and careers. Some students find the workload challenging, but the district provides strong support.
3. Muskego-Norway School District
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| City | Muskego |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 6 |
| Students | 4,616 |
Top Schools
- Muskego High School
- Lakeview Elementary School
Muskego-Norway excels in both academics and athletics, providing a well-rounded experience for students. The district’s commitment to high standards is evident, though some parents feel the district could offer more diversity in course offerings.
4. Mequon-Thiensville School District
| City | Mequon |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 6 |
| Students | 3,543 |
Top Schools
- Homestead High School
- Lake Shore Middle School
Mequon-Thiensville is a district focused on academic rigor and student preparation for college. The district provides strong teacher support, though students in advanced courses may find the workload heavy at times.
5. Whitefish Bay School District
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| City | Whitefish Bay |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 4 |
| Students | 2,860 |
Top Schools
- Whitefish Bay High School
- Richards Elementary School
Whitefish Bay is known for its strong academic performance and college prep. The district has a strong focus on individualized learning, but the pressure to perform can sometimes be overwhelming for students. Overall, it’s an excellent district for families seeking strong academic outcomes.
6. Cedarburg School District
| City | Cedarburg |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 6 |
| Students | 3,091 |
Top Schools
- Cedarburg High School
- Webster Middle School
Cedarburg is a district that prides itself on its academic achievements and extracurricular opportunities. The district provides a strong foundation for students, but some parents wish for more diversity in course offerings.
7. Slinger School District
| City | Slinger |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 5 |
| Students | 3,350 |
Top Schools
- Slinger High School
- Slinger Middle School
Slinger is a district recognized for its strong academic performance and extracurricular activities. It provides a well-rounded education but could benefit from more course variety for students with specific academic interests.
8. Waunakee Community School District
| City | Waunakee |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 7 |
| Students | 4,408 |
Top Schools
- Waunakee High School
- Prairie Elementary School
Waunakee Community is well-known for fostering a positive learning environment and strong community spirit. The district is committed to both academic success and personal growth, but some students may find the workload challenging at times.
9. Pewaukee School District
| City | Pewaukee |
| Niche Grade | A+ |
| Total Schools | 4 |
| Students | 2,948 |
Top Schools
- Pewaukee High School
- Asa Clark Middle School
Pewaukee School District offers a solid academic program with a focus on student involvement. While the district provides plenty of extracurricular opportunities, some students may feel there is less academic rigor in certain subjects.
10. Shorewood School District
| City | Shorewood |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 5 |
| Students | 1,933 |
Top Schools
- Shorewood High School
- Atwater Elementary School
Shorewood is known for its academic excellence and supportive environment. However, the pressure to succeed can be intense for some students, particularly in high school. Overall, it’s a good district for families looking for a strong academic foundation.
11. Kimberly Area School District
| City | Combined Locks |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 9 |
| Students | 5,183 |
Top Schools
- Kimberly High School
- J.R. Gerritts Middle School
Kimberly is known for its strong academic programs and a range of extracurricular opportunities. The district offers a good balance between academics, athletics, and community involvement. There is a focus on college readiness, but some students feel that there could be more diversity in the advanced course offerings.
12. Hamilton School District
| City | Sussex |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 8 |
| Students | 5,106 |
Top Schools
- Hamilton High School
- Templeton Middle School
Hamilton is a district known for its rigorous academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities. The district also places a strong emphasis on sports, providing students with numerous athletic opportunities. However, some students feel the workload can be overwhelming, particularly at the high school level.
13. Grafton School District
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| City | Grafton |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 4 |
| Students | 2,116 |
Top Schools
- Grafton High School
- John Long Middle School
Grafton School District offers a solid academic foundation and a strong sense of community. While the district excels in creating a supportive environment, some parents wish there were more advanced academic programs available. The district is overall a great choice for families looking for a balanced education with strong community ties.
14. Verona Area School District
| City | Verona |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 12 |
| Students | 5,962 |
Top Schools
- Verona Area High School
- Badger Ridge Middle School
Verona Area School District is recognized for its high-quality education and strong extracurricular offerings. The district has a diverse student body and provides solid opportunities in the arts, sports, and academic fields. However, some students note that the academic pressure can be intense, especially in advanced courses.
15. New Berlin School District
| City | New Berlin |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 6 |
| Students | 4,256 |
Top Schools
- New Berlin Eisenhower High School
- New Berlin West High School
New Berlin School District is well-regarded for its solid academic programs and commitment to extracurricular activities. The district offers a good range of options for students, including advanced courses and athletics. However, there are occasional concerns about competitiveness and pressure, especially in the high school years.
16. West De Pere School District
| City | De Pere |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 6 |
| Students | 3,586 |
Top Schools
- De Pere High School
- West De Pere Middle School
West De Pere School District offers a variety of opportunities for students, especially in athletics and arts. The district places a strong emphasis on community involvement and strives to create a supportive learning environment. While the academic programs are strong, some students feel more options for advanced courses would be beneficial.
17. Franklin Public Schools
| City | Franklin |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 8 |
| Students | 4,781 |
Top Schools
- Franklin High School
- Forest Hill Elementary School
Franklin Public Schools offers strong academic performance with a variety of extracurricular programs. The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education, but some students and parents have mentioned that there could be more emphasis on advanced academics. The supportive community makes it a popular choice for families.
18. Kohler School District
| City | Kohler |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 3 |
| Students | 714 |
Top Schools
- Kohler High School
- Kohler Elementary School
Kohler is a smaller district with a strong sense of community and high academic standards. The district’s small size allows for more personalized attention, but it may lack some of the diversity in course offerings that larger districts provide. Nonetheless, Kohler offers a great educational experience for families seeking a more intimate school setting.
19. Hudson School District
| City | Hudson |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 10 |
| Students | 5,377 |
Top Schools
- Hudson High School
- North Hudson Elementary School
Hudson School District is known for its solid academic programs and focus on student success. The district is also committed to community engagement, making it a great choice for families. The strong community ties contribute to a well-rounded educational experience, although some students wish for a wider range of advanced courses.
20. Kettle Moraine School District
| City | Wales |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 12 |
| Students | 3,477 |
Top Schools
- Kettle Moraine High School
- Kettle Moraine Middle School
Kettle Moraine School District provides a great environment for academic success, with a focus on preparing students for the future. The district is strong in both academics and extracurriculars, offering a range of opportunities for students. It’s a solid choice for families looking for a comprehensive educational experience.
21. Greendale School District
| City | Greendale |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 6 |
| Students | 2,664 |
Top Schools
- Greendale High School
- Canterbury Elementary School
Greendale School District is known for its strong community atmosphere and solid academic performance. Students benefit from a supportive environment, with teachers who genuinely care about their success. While the district provides a good range of extracurricular options, some families feel that the academic rigor could be higher at the advanced levels.
22. Wrightstown Community School District
| City | Wrightstown |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 3 |
| Students | 1,331 |
Top Schools
- Wrightstown High School
- Little Chute High School
Wrightstown is a small but academically strong district with a focus on personalized learning. While the number of schools is limited, students enjoy close connections with teachers and a community-driven atmosphere.
23. School District of Onalaska
| City | Onalaska |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 6 |
| Students | 3,007 |
Top Schools
- Onalaska High School
- Northern Hills Elementary School
The School District of Onalaska has a reputation for providing excellent academic programs and a variety of extracurricular activities. The district offers strong support systems for students, including counseling services and academic resources. Parents appreciate the safe and supportive environment, though some feel there is room for more diversity in course offerings.
24. New Glarus School District
| City | New Glarus |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 3 |
| Students | 961 |
Top Schools
- New Glarus High School
- New Glarus Elementary School
New Glarus offers a close-knit, small-town school environment with strong academic support. The district is highly regarded for its community involvement and the close relationships students develop with teachers. However, due to its size, some students may not have access to the variety of programs offered in larger districts.
Overall, it’s a great choice for families looking for a more personalized educational experience.
25. School District of Marshfield
| City | Marshfield |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 8 |
| Students | 3,842 |
Top Schools
- Marshfield High School
- Marshfield Middle School
The School District of Marshfield is known for offering a solid academic foundation with a variety of extracurricular opportunities. The district provides a good balance between academics and extracurricular activities, though some students feel that more advanced options could be offered. It’s a good district for families looking for stability and strong community support.
26. Shell Lake School District
| City | Shell Lake |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 3 |
| Students | 636 |
Top Schools
- Shell Lake High School
- Shell Lake Elementary School
Shell Lake School District offers a small, community-focused environment where students can thrive academically. The district is highly regarded for its tight-knit community and the personal attention students receive.
While it may not have the wide range of programs found in larger districts, Shell Lake provides a supportive atmosphere that many families appreciate.
27. Oconto Falls Public School District
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| City | Oconto Falls |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 4 |
| Students | 1,695 |
Top Schools
- Oconto Falls High School
- Oconto Falls Middle School
Oconto Falls provides a community-oriented education with a focus on academic success. The district is committed to student involvement in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts programs. Some parents feel the district could offer more advanced programs, but overall, it’s a great option for families looking for a smaller, supportive environment.
28. Butternut School District
| City | Butternut |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 3 |
| Students | 194 |
Top Schools
- Butternut High School
- Butternut Elementary School
Butternut is a small district where students benefit from personalized attention and a strong sense of community. The district places a high value on relationships and academic support, though the limited size of the district means fewer options for advanced courses or extracurricular activities. Still, it offers a solid education in a close-knit environment.
29. Boscobel Area School District
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| City | Boscobel |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 3 |
| Students | 703 |
Top Schools
- Boscobel High School
- Boscobel Elementary School
Boscobel Area School District provides a supportive environment for students and emphasizes community involvement. Although the district has fewer resources compared to larger districts, it excels in fostering close relationships between students and teachers. The district offers a solid education in a small-town setting, making it ideal for families looking for a personalized experience.
30. Spring Valley School District
| City | Spring Valley |
| Niche Grade | A |
| Total Schools | 3 |
| Students | 708 |
Top Schools
- Spring Valley High School
- Spring Valley Elementary School
Spring Valley School District is small but offers a strong sense of community and support for students. It has a solid academic foundation and encourages involvement in extracurricular activities, though students may feel the district could offer more in terms of advanced courses. The close-knit environment provides an excellent place for students to grow both academically and personally.
FAQs
1. What should I consider when choosing a school district for my child?
When choosing a school district, consider factors such as academic performance, extracurricular offerings, class sizes, teacher-to-student ratios, school culture, and whether the district meets your child’s specific needs (e.g., special education services or gifted programs). Visiting the schools, talking to other parents, and reviewing performance reports can also help you make an informed decision.
2. How can I find out which school district I am zoned for?
To find out which school district you are zoned for, visit the school district’s website, which often includes boundary maps or zoning tools. You can also contact the district directly with your address for confirmation.
3. Are smaller school districts more personal than larger ones?
Smaller school districts may offer a more personalized experience, with smaller class sizes and closer relationships between students and teachers. However, larger districts may offer a wider variety of academic and extracurricular programs. The decision depends on what fits your child’s educational needs best.
4. What if my child has special needs? How do I know if a school district is equipped to support them?
Research whether the district has special education services and support systems in place. Many districts offer individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans to ensure students with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations and services. You can contact the district’s special education department for more information.
Last Words
Selecting the right school district is an important decision for your child’s future. Wisconsin offers a variety of school districts with strong academic programs, supportive environments, and opportunities for personal growth.
By considering the factors that matter most to your family, such as academic quality, extracurricular options, and community involvement, you can find the best fit for your child’s needs.