Education system and best schools in Wisconsin: Top-ranking districts: Whitefish Bay, Mequon-Thiensville, Elmbrook. SchoolChoice options available statewide. ACT scores above national average. Notable universities: UW-Madison, Marquette University, Lawrence University. High expenditure per student. Emphasis on vocational-technical education (CTE) programs. Robust public charter school presence. Wisconsin Academic Standards guide curriculums. Emphasis on STEM and innovation initiatives. School Report Cards assess performance annually.
Top-ranking districts: Whitefish Bay, Mequon-Thiensville, Elmbrook.
The top-ranking school districts in Wisconsin include Elmbrook School District, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, and Mequon-Thiensville School District, with Elmbrook ranked as the best in Wisconsin according to Niche's 2025 Best Schools and Districts rankings. These districts excel in academics, teacher quality, and resources, with Elmbrook and Mequon-Thiensville also receiving high marks for college prep and overall performance.
SchoolChoice options available statewide.
Wisconsin provides numerous school choice options such as five private school choice programs, charter schools, magnet schools, home schooling, and inter-district and intra-district public school choice through open enrollment policies. These programs give families multiple alternatives to traditional public schools, enabling them to select the most suitable educational environment for their children. To explore more about these options and details, you can visit the EdChoice website for comprehensive information.
ACT scores above national average.
In Wisconsin, while the state's average ACT composite score of 19.4 is slightly below the national average of 19.8, several high schools stand out with scores above the national average. The top schools, such as the High School of Health Sciences with a score of 24.9 and several others with scores ranging from 23.0 to 23.9, demonstrate higher college readiness compared to the state and national averages. For more detailed insights, you can explore the list of Top Wisconsin High Schools by ACT Scores for the year 2023. This highlights their commitment to academic excellence and preparation for future educational opportunities.
Notable universities: UW-Madison, Marquette University, Lawrence University.
Wisconsin is home to several notable universities, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, known for its high educational efficiency and strong graduate outcomes; Marquette University, a private Jesuit institution offering a wide range of programs and recognized for its research and job placement rates; and Lawrence University, a liberal arts college with a strong focus on academic highlights and professional outcomes. For more information about these top institutions, visit the Best Colleges in Wisconsin page.
High expenditure per student.
In Wisconsin, despite an increase in per-pupil spending from $8,574 in 2002 to $12,740 in 2020, the state's spending ranks below the national average, with Wisconsin spending 5.6% less than the national average of $13,494 per pupil in 2020. However, more recent data indicates that per-pupil spending has continued to rise, averaging $16,345 per pupil in the 2022-23 school year, which is about 9% higher than the adjusted inflation rate from the 2000-01 school year. For more detailed insights, visit the Wisconsin Policy Forum to explore further data on this topic.
Emphasis on vocational-technical education (CTE) programs.
In Wisconsin, the education system places significant emphasis on vocational-technical education (CTE) programs, with initiatives like the CTE Leadership Certificate at UW-Stout, which provides leaders in technical colleges, K-12 schools, and workforce development agencies with specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, the state's Department of Workforce Development and Department of Public Instruction collaborate to approve industry-recognized certifications for CTE Incentive Grants, ensuring relevance to current industry needs.
Robust public charter school presence.
Wisconsin boasts a robust public charter school presence, with 240 charter schools operating as of the 2022-23 school year. These schools are authorized by various entities, including school boards, the City of Milwaukee, and institutions within the University of Wisconsin System. The [charter schools](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lc/issue_briefs/2022/education/ib_charter_schools_eh_pjh_2022_10_20) operate with greater autonomy than traditional public schools, aiming to foster innovation and parental choice while influencing the larger public school system.
Wisconsin Academic Standards guide curriculums.
Wisconsin Academic Standards serve as model guidelines for local school districts to develop their curriculums, specifying what students should know and be able to do in each subject area. These standards are voluntary but must be adopted in some form to ensure all children have access to high-quality education programs, with local school boards having the discretion to tailor them to their communities. For more detailed information, visit the Wisconsin Academic Standards website.
Emphasis on STEM and innovation initiatives.
In Wisconsin, the education system is enhancing STEM education through initiatives like Learning Blade, a free STEM career exploration platform for grades 5-9, which offers mission-based adventures and over 400 lessons aligned with state standards to inspire students in STEM and computer science careers. Additionally, schools like Madison Country Day School are recognized for their excellence in STEM education, ranking as the #1 Best High School for STEM in Wisconsin.
School Report Cards assess performance annually.
Wisconsin School and District Report Cards, published annually by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, assess performance across four priority areas: Achievement, Growth, Target Group Outcomes, and On-Track to Graduation. These report cards provide a comprehensive picture of school and district performance, helping to identify areas of improvement and determine the level of support each school receives.