2019 Best High Schools in the Madison Area

Best Schools

48 results

Madison Country Day School
Private School
Waunakee, WI
PK, K-12
16
#1 Best Private High Schools in Madison Area
Parent: MCDS is the best school in Madison, with the top ACT and SAT scores, and the highest percentage of National Merit Scholars. The facilities are top-notch and the faculty care about the students.
The one problem with MCDS is their indiscriminate granting of financial aid. They ought to be more selective rather than just handing aid out like its candy. The extremely high number of students receiving aid (over 50%) causes an imbalance where full-tuition paying families are CONSTANTLY being asked to donate money. This causes frustration for families when they see massive amounts of aid being given to academically inferior students or to students with families who simply don’t want to pay the tuition (as in, “we make 250k a year but we’re too cheap to pay the tuition”). People need to understand that MCDS tuition is half of what it is at any other country day school. And the school needs to understand that it can’t possibly survive by giving away so much free tuition.
Read 16 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
462 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Middleton High School
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, WI
9-12
299
#1 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: Middleton High School is a fairly good school. Although there are a few teachers who are not very good and either don't know the material or do not care about there students, most enjoy their jobs and actually want their students to succeed. The academics at Middleton High School are very good, but unfortunately/fortunately this creates a lot of competition for the students of Middleton High School. Outside of academics, Middleton does a very good job of providing tons of clubs and other activities that allow students to become invested in or learn about. The sports are Middleton High School can be questionable at times, though. It is very apparent the Athletic Director doesn't care about any sports besides football, basketball, and baseball and other sports are affected by this such as soccer.
Read 299 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,026 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart
Private School
Madison, WI
9-12
59
#2 Best Private High Schools in Madison Area
Junior: Edgewood high school is an amazing school if one wants to receive an amazing education. I’m an atheist and was dreading the required religion classes, but I now rather find them interesting as the religion classes offered focus on multiple religions and viewpoints of the world. I felt like I have close relationships with my teachers and could go to them for anything, academic or not. The kids, despite being a little preppy, are all very friendly and due to the medium size of the class you truly know everyone at Edgewood. Overall, the tight-knit community at Edgewood makes any student feel like they belong at Edgewood.
Read 59 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
493 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Woodberry Forest School
Private School
Woodberry Forest, VA
9-12
30
Niche User: I do not have a child at Woodberry, but our school’s squash team has played theirs on several occasions. Each time, whether home or visiting, I am incredibly impressed with how gracious, well-mannnered, and polite their players are. Winning or losing, they have a kind word for their teammates and opponents, and even parents. They carry themselves maturely and respectfully. I can’t speak for the academics, but whatever they are doing to build these boys’ character, well done!
Read 30 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
399 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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West High School
Madison Metropolitan School District, WI
9-12
287
#2 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: West High School is definitely the best school in the Madison school district! I'm going to be a senior this upcoming school year and I've had overwhelmingly positive experiences. Most of the teachers are highly qualified and really do care about your education and experience, although I have had a few teachers that definitely have no place teaching high school kids. There are TONS of electives to choose from as well. West has All Nations Day which celebrates diversity, Fine Arts Week (the best week of the year) where students can perform dance, music, theater, and art class projects are displayed in the gallery and around the school. West is a pretty artsy school so the art, music, and theater classes are at a very high level. But, with the increasing number of students attending, some classes don't even have enough desks for all the students.
Overall, my three years at West so far have been really great and I would highly recommend this school to anyone!
Read 287 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,111 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Memorial High School
Madison Metropolitan School District, WI
9-12
278
#3 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Alum: Memorial high shares most traits with other public high schools in urban areas; diverse student body and faculty, underfunded extra curricular activities and art departments, and overly generous to all things sports. However, Memorial strays from this archetype in a few remarkable ways. The culture at this school values inclusivity and respect. The sense of community and fidelity between students and staff is very strong. The mantra "we take care of our own" embodies this school. While music, theatre and the arts are stereotypically underfunded, the administration makes great effort to demonstrate support for all activities and productions hosted by these departments even if money lacks. Some of the best teachers I've ever had taught or teach at Madison Memorial. Educators here are dedicated and knowledgeable. Most engage heavily in extra curriculars outside of school and form lasting relationships with their students.
Read 278 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,903 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Waunakee High School
Waunakee Community School District, WI
9-12
181
#4 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: Waunakee High School is a very good high school. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in many different areas of interests. Many students succeed here and there are a lot of resources to help all the students do their best and get ready for life past high school. Waunakee High School puts a large focus on GPA and grades. There is a lot of pressure to have the best AP exam scores and ACT scores in the state/country. It is good that they believe in us and want us to be the best, but it is hard when you don't score as well and you feel that you let the staff down. Overall, my experience and Waunakee High School is very good. I have friends and staff I feel comfortable around, they help me and classmates succeed, and they help us get involved.
Read 181 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,210 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Sun Prairie High School
Sun Prairie Area School District, WI
10-12
496
#5 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: Being able to live in Sun Prairie my whole life, I was able to have a wonderful experience at Sun Prairie High School. This high school is filled with amazing teachers that genuinely cares about helping their students and creating a comfortable atmosphere. The high school constantly tries to create a diverse school by having cultural events, and clubs. They acknowledge problems that students have and desperately try to fix them. Everyone in this school encourages students to head to college or the work force after high school. The school strives to help students become successful; everyone has a different view of becoming successful. Students are able to become successful by having an extra hour to get help, wonderful resources and helpful adults. Overall, Sun Prairie High School is a wonderful place to grow and become successful!
Read 496 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,617 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Verona Area High School
Verona Area School District, WI
9-12
215
#6 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Junior: I love this school! This is gonna be my second year in it and so far everything is going very well. The staff and administrators are very helpful and kind. The teachers always put their students first and answer all questions. If you ask for extra help before or after school from teachers, they’ll be more than happy to help. There are many clubs about giving back to our community, accepting each other, and other fun clubs.
Read 215 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,507 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Monona Grove High School
Monona Grove School District, WI
9-12
118
#7 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: I like the intimate setting of Monona Grove High School. The teachers really care about you and want to see you succeed in your future academic endeavors. There are more than enough ways to stay involved no matter what your interests are. The sports are very good, we have lots of extremely talented athletes. The school is predominantly white priveledge with a lot of wealthy caucasians which is occasionally inhibiting, but is an acknowledgable aspect nonetheless.
Read 118 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
975 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oregon High School
Oregon School District, WI
9-12
137
#8 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: Oregon High School in many ways is an excellent place to get an education. There are plenty of academic opportunities for students in a variety of subjects and vocations, and the school prepares its students well for college or the workforce. Most teachers are kind, competent, and knowledgeable, and the school's administration is good. There are many popular and fun sports and other extracurricular activities. The school's diversity is mediocre at best, although for a small midwestern town that is to be expected. The food is a frequent focus of complaints, but it is reasonably nutritious and doesn't taste awful. Personally, I have had a stellar experience at this school, which has provided me with the opportunity to grow as a person, pursue my dreams, and have plenty of fun. I truly have no significant complaints to report, and although I recognize that not every student at Oregon can say the same I still feel that Oregon High School is overall an outstanding institution.
Read 137 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,155 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mount Horeb High School
Mount Horeb Area School District, WI
9-12
107
#9 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Sophomore: Absolutely wonderful Art and Music programs! All of the teachers and staff are generally very kind and many go above and beyond to make you feel safe and welcome. It is typically very liberal but seeing as it is a rural town there are a few students who are very outspoken in their hate but there are multiple clubs and committees in place to help create safe spaces and battle hate as well as stigmas! If you want to go to an ivy league college this really isn't the place for you though, with an 4.0 grading scale the best they can get you is a decent out of state. You would never be able to achieve your Cornell dreams. The diversity is almost nonexistent and it's very odd being one of the few kids who isn't predominantly scandinavian or german.
Read 107 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
726 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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McFarland High School
McFarland School District, WI
9-12
72
#10 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: I like going to McFarland. My teachers genuinely care about my education and will go the distance to make sure I am learning what I am being taught. The school itself is a safe place where bullying doesn't seem very common along with the fact that fights are very rare. There are tons of extra curricular activities to give students a wide range of options to explore their interests.
Read 72 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
695 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Belleville High School
Belleville School District, WI
9-12
92
#11 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: Belleville is very great. Every Teacher is there trying to make every students experience better. The only thing that I would change about Belleville school is that many of the teachers come and go very quickly that many do not stay for long. Having different teachers every year for the same year can be a little challenging and frustrating. Belleville schools are small with about seventy students each class. Even though the school is small the programs there are amazing. We have good sports and a very large music program. Some schools are starting to cut there programs for lack of spending money, but not belleville. This is a great school, small and tight knit watching over every student.
Read 92 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
270 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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New Glarus High School
New Glarus School District, WI
9-12
60
#12 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
High School Senior: Everyone supports each other. We have the best staff and students ever. I truly believe we have the greatest school district around. We practice character, and all of the attributes that come with being a student and person in the real world. We offer so many amazing classes, clubs, and extra-curricular activities. I have experienced some phenomenal moments in sports and music. My sophomore year we won conference in football, and have been at the top for the past few years in all sports. In music, we travel all over Wisconsin for group festivals and special conventions. The people here are all so kind, caring, and selfless. The atmosphere of New Glarus is something I've never experienced before.
Read 60 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
240 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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St. Ambrose Academy
Private School
Madison, WI
6-12
6
#3 Best Private High Schools in Madison Area
Parent: The school is very impressive, very smart kids, teachers are very willing and able to help. you don't have to be catholic! if that is what you want there is a variety of religions and cultural backgrounds at SAA but all kids are very welcoming and accepting. The teachers are outstanding, if kids need help they can just pop in and ask their question, and the teachers are always willing to help if asked. St. Ambrose is challenging but doable for students!
Read 6 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
88 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lodi High School
Lodi School District, WI
9-12
49
#13 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
High School Senior: The Lodi High School is filled with character and it's a small town where everyone connects and grows together. The experiences at games, events, and classroom learning is one I wouldn't trade for the world. It allowed me to see my classmates become adults as we each took our journey through a school system that values every one of its students and tries to prepare us the best it can. My experiences have been limited with how far we are from larger communities, but it's one that creates a lasting impression I wouldn't want to have in any other school.
Read 49 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
508 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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East High School
Madison Metropolitan School District, WI
9-12
163
#14 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Junior: Somethings that I really like about East is that our school is very diverse. Every where in the school, there are different kinds of people. Also, when befriending someone, you can really learn a lot of things about their culture! And, not to mention, the students at East are all welcoming and supportive of each other.
Another thing that I really like about East is the teachers. The teachers make sure that every students are on top of their goals. When students are going through tough times, the teachers are always there backing the student up. Our teachers are like our backbone, they want us to succeed in life and are willingly to support us!
To others, East may seem like a regular high school, but to me, East is different from other high schools around the Madison area. I can always talk to the teachers whenever something is bugging me. The teachers, staff, and students made East the way it is today!
Read 163 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,584 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Stoughton High School
Stoughton Area School District, WI
9-12
126
#15 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Junior: I like that Stoughton High School Student Senate offers RSVP (Raising Student Voice and Participation). It is a great program, and twice each year the senators visit classes and ask the student body what they would like to see changed. In the past, RSVP has contributed to our school numbering the parking spaces, remodeling the locker rooms, installing water bottle fillers, and adding two extra microwaves to our lunchroom.
Read 126 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,035 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Waterloo High School
Waterloo School District, WI
9-12
41
#16 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Alum: The school is truly a great atmosphere and always full of great students and faculty. Waterloo High School sets you up for success in high school as well as for college. The most important aspect of the school is that they will provide students with the tools to succeed while also teaching them how to be respectful and kind individuals in society.
Read 41 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
281 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lakeside Lutheran High School
Private School
Lake Mills, WI
9-12
107
#4 Best Private High Schools in Madison Area
Senior: Lakeside Lutheran High School is the best high school you could ever go to. From getting to know the teachers and talking to them one on one to knowing everyone in the school. It's a great experience to build relationships with not just other students but the teachers as well. The teachers really pushed me and made me who I am today. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I always thought I was nothing more than just a girl that had no bright future. I was always lost and confused when it came to "who I was" and "who I wanted to be." But with the help of the teachers, they helped me find myself and figure out that I'm so much more than just a small town girl from Wisconsin. I know exactly what I want to do and who I want to be because of their endless love and support for not only me, but all their students. There's nothing I would change about this school. It's a school that is truly special and I'm so grateful that I got to be apart of it.
Read 107 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
429 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cambridge High School
Cambridge School District, WI
9-12
38
#17 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Niche User: The best part about attending this school is it's small size, while not for everyone, it allowed me to participate in many different types of activities and groups allowing me to broaden my horizons and experience things that I maybe would not have been able to at a larger sized school.
Read 38 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
252 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Evansville High School
Evansville Community School District, WI
9-12
61
#18 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Junior: Evansville High School is unique school. Like most towns in the midwest, we are small and agriculturally focused. We have many classes dealing with agriculture and an entire wing of our building dedicated to "shop classes". On the other hand we have strong AP, computer sciences, and music programs. One thing our high school does every spring is a musical. This show is always incredible and draws crowds from all over southern Wisconsin. Another thing that is nice about our school us that the teachers are very concerned for your well being and want to see you succeed. Most teachers will give up lunch or time after school inorder to make sure you get the help you need. The students at Evansville, for the most part, are friendly and inviting. We have a wide variety of people that are interested in many things.
Read 61 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
553 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lake Mills High School
Lake Mills Area School District, WI
9-12
27
#19 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Junior: People at Lake Mills care. They do everything they can to help you with your work. Whether your in guided study skills or just class. They welcomed me with a nonjudgmental atmosphere as well. They offer a variety of clubs, and extra curriculars to whatever you may like. Teamwork is very big in Lake Mills and that everyone does their part. That's why I enjoy Lake Mills.
Read 27 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
411 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Abundant Life Christian School
Private School
Madison, WI
K-12
12
#5 Best Private High Schools in Madison Area
Alum: The faculty and staff at ALCS were and remain like a family to me. The teachers do their best to give individual time and attention to each student, and the education I received there was priceless.
Read 12 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
225 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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DeForest High School
DeForest Area School District, WI
9-12
139
#20 Best Public High Schools in Madison Area
Junior: Overall DeForest high school is a very good school. This school is a relatively large school with lots of academics, clubs, and sport opportunities. Their is a great chance you will find something you will enjoy doing here. Whether it’s sports, clubs, or academics. Their are lots of classes to choose from to see what you might be interested in later on.
Read 139 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
1,060 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
12
Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
Read 12 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The Prairie School
Private School
Wind Point, WI
PK, K-12
45
Parent: People think they can't afford it, but Prairie gives financial aid based on your income. My kids couldn't go there without it! We're just average income people so we had to make changes to get the best education for them. We were totally surprised, and I still find it hard to believe, that parents, teachers, and everyone there helps raise money for financial aid for the families who need it! We've had teachers who cared about our kids like family. Like every school, Prairie has issues and improvements can be made. But, I liked it right away because it teaches what we teach our kids at home…respect others and be a problem solver. THANK YOU to those who suggested we just visit and apply! PLEASE don't assume you can't afford it. That's what we thought, too and we are definitely not the only people of average income there. I hope more families in the area just go see Prairie and apply!
Read 45 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
634 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 2

Madison Country Day School

Middleton High School

Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart

Woodberry Forest School

West High School

Memorial High School

Waunakee High School

Sun Prairie High School

Verona Area High School

Monona Grove High School

Oregon High School

Mount Horeb High School

McFarland High School

Belleville High School

New Glarus High School

St. Ambrose Academy

Lodi High School

East High School

Stoughton High School

Waterloo High School

Lakeside Lutheran High School

Cambridge High School

Evansville High School

Lake Mills High School

Abundant Life Christian School

DeForest High School

BASIS Independent McLean

The Prairie School