2023 Best Districts with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Madison Area

• Middleton, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  73 reviews

Senior: The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School district is the only school district I've ever known, but that doesn't mean I can't tell it is one of the best districts in the state. There are many excellent teachers at the high school, especially in the advanced and STEM classes. For example, every one of my math teachers has been encouraging, inspiring, and phenomenal in all respects. Additionally, the music program is amazing, with many different class options and bands that preform across the country in many competitions. I am an enthusiastic member of the school's top jazz band, which has performed in the Essentially Ellington Competition. The culture in the music program has made my high school experience amazing, with many students that appreciate both music and each other. My experiences in elementary and middle schools were just as rewarding. Of course, the district isn't perfect, with some administration and diversity issues. But overall, it is a great place for students to thrive.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 12

• Students 7,410

• Waunakee, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.49 out of 5  43 reviews

Junior: I think that the Waunakee schools have been very good for providing a clear path for education and to college, and the teachers are more often than not supportive of their students and of their futures. Also, teachers are often understandable of students´ lives outside of the school. However the diversity isnt really great obviously and there is some inequality within athletics between different sports and genders.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,304

• Oregon, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: This district is considered to be one of the best in the state for good reason. There are excellent teachers that care about their students. There are very unique science opportunities such as chemistry labs and biotechnology. The high school also has a nice theater for drama-inclined students to participate in plays and musicals. However, the district overall focuses on sports over the arts, even though our musical my senior year was sold out and brought in a good amount of money to the school. The administration also does not seem to be as student oriented as the teachers, implementing puzzling protocols after the pandemic that seem to only confuse the students.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,119

• Verona, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  70 reviews

Senior: Verona has many opportunities for all students. The teachers are very dedicated and students can explore areas in sports, the arts, and a variety of clubs. The facility is amazing!... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 13

• Students 5,636

• Belleville, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Senior: The School District of Belleville is a public school in a small town just south of Madison, WI. In attending this school I have grown so much as a student and as a member of my community. With the tight-knit feel of the town, students are able to communicate directly with teachers when they are in need of help or just extra practice. This closeness also brings the students together, and allows them to venture off school grounds to help support the surrounding community. For example, students are able to join many volunteer groups including meals on wheels, where they deliver lunches to elders living in the area, along with other groups through local churches and sports teams. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of such a great community and amazing school.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 932

• Monona, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  38 reviews

Alum: My time at MG was a great experience academically and socially. The academics are highly rated and definitely prepared me for college. The teachers I had were knowledgeable and passionate in their areas. In addition, they and the school did a really good job at offering opportunities for students to get help outside of class, whether that was during the school day or outside of it. In addition, MG has lots of extra-curricular activities for its students to get involved with, including everything from sports to language immersion groups to music ensembles.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,449

• Sun Prairie, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  98 reviews

Alum: SPASD is a very diverse school open to anyone and everyone. I was a student-athlete here. I played on the boys varsity soccer team, challenged myself with a couple AP classes, and stayed involved in the community outside of school. I’ve always had great experiences at Sun Prairie! The only problem I’d have to bring up is the quality of the teachers. Every year, I’ve had at least one awful teacher who either just wasn’t good at teaching, didn’t know what they were teaching, or just didn’t care about the class. I’ve gotten all of those problematic teacher situations handled by going to the counselors and school board “complaining” about them. Ever since I’ve done that, they’ve gotten better. Besides that, the school community is good, everyone gets together for sports games, and everyone knows each other!... Read 98 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 15

• Students 8,366

• Mount Horeb, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Junior: Extremely friendly and welcoming. The school is always well kept. Teachers are able to create strong bonds with their students. They offer countless clubs, sports, and extracurriculars.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,423

• Cambridge, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Teachers and staff at the Cambridge School District are amazing. They genuinely care for the students and their success.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 925

• Lake Mills, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  12 reviews

Freshman: It’s a good school and has good classes. Im currently switching to online due to health issues but they have been supportive and helped us figure out what we have to do. The part I don’t like is the food they serve, I feel like it got worse compared to last year.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,586

• Madison, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.72 out of 5  218 reviews

Junior: Through the Madison Metropolitan School District, I was able to make long-lasting friendships whom I could create memorable adventures with. Not only that, I was able to learn more about myself with the courses and classes they offered.... Read 218 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 54

• Students 26,151

• Mazomanie, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: In spending all of my education career at Wisconsin Heights, I have learned quite a bit about the school. Overall, I am pleased with the quality of education I have received from the school and the quality of the culture there. Wisconsin Heights, being a fairly small school, has a very close-knit culture. Teachers know students on a first-name basis and are often involved in students' lives. Furthermore, because of Wisconsin Heights' small size, teachers often have small class sizes and are able to connect with students even more. Not only do small class sizes help teachers build more of a relationship with their students, they also help Wisconsin Heights achieve such a high quality of education. Wisconsin Heights is consistently ranked highly for academics. This is thanks to the exceptional teaching staff. Each teacher genuinely cares about his or her students. I feel Wisconsin Heights is a very good school and I am glad to have been a student there.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 4

• Students 738

• Edgerton, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: Edgerton school district has its flaws like all do, but is mainly an impressive school. Most of the staff are very understanding and it is obvious they care about their students and teaching is more than a job to them. The counseling offices are also very helpful. Not only is it an impressive academic school, but the sports programs are also well-rounded. The coaches are intense because they care and kids who play really love what they are doing.... Read 16 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,872

• Portage, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: Great marching band, color guard, and German program. The band and marching band get to experience a wide variety of travel opportunities from around Wisconsin, the United States, and Europe. With the German program, students have many opportunities for involvement including German Club, German National Honor Society and travel.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 9

• Students 2,174

• New Glarus, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: Great curriculum and great opportunities for the students including clubs, sports and volunteering. Very community based and community involvement. The teachers have a vested interest in the children and do a good job communicating with parents and students as well. The school is very clean but is starting to get a bit overcrowded. It is a very desirable school and it shows through the school spirit!... Read 12 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,023

• Fall River, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Fall River School is a K-12 school in a small town with excellent,recently updated facilities. It is one of the only area schools, of any size, to have an attached indoor pool. Fall River Community as a whole is very engaged in the school district. The School has one of the best S.T.E.M. programs around with a new S.T.E.M. Lab, Computer Lab, including (4) 3-D Printers. We have a great program with surrounding businesses when it comes to learning computers, using modern machine technologies. Several pieces of machinery have been used in or donated from area factories. They also have a large Auto Shop, for great hands on learning. Did I mention the new Athletic Complex? It consists of a baseball diamond, several softball diamonds, a football/soccer field, track, several multi-purpose buildings which contain Concessions areas, indoor gym, and a classroom. The football/ soccer field is again one of the few fields in the area, again counting any size school, which offers Astroturf.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 2

• Students 470

• Poynette, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 2.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: I appreciated the closeness of the community; however, the I would have liked to experience more diversity. I am not sure if that is an aspect that the school itself can dictate, but I do believe it has an effect on how someone will respond to diversity later in life and I wish I could have become more familiar with different culture for that sake.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,043

• Evansville, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: It is a very small community which allows for personal connections to be made between students and teachers. The high school also has a decently wide array of class choices compared to the size of the school and staff. One thing that could be improved is the relationship between students and administration. As of currently it is a bit distrustful, and does not have great communication.... Read 17 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,698

• Stoughton, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  33 reviews

Senior: Stoughton has a good community and support system. The staff and teachers are always available to support and encourage the students! Stoughton has been a great school system to grow up in. My parents have always been very glad that the schools have had such great communication, from areas that need improvement, to the praise that is so great to hear! I feel that the counselors have helped me be as "college ready" as can be. Looking forward to moving on to the next step in my education. I have always been involved in activities with Stoughton Area School District. They have ample opportunities for students and parents to become more and more involved. Student council and tennis have given me lots of great experiences as well as some life long friends. I hope to be equally involved in college groups on campus to keep that going! Stoughton School District has prepared me academically as well, I feel that the teachers here know how to get their students mentally prepared for college also... Read 33 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,783

• Mcfarland, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: At first I did not like McFarland because I am more of a hands on learner, I could not understand anything online. Then at McFarland a couple weeks into school, it changed. I could understand the materials! I feel a lot of kids have similar problems that I had but going through McFarland during the pandemic helped knowing I was safe, I have outstanding teachers and if I do need help there is always someone there to help me whether it is my teachers, advisors or counselors. They all have my back just like they would with any other student. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn online.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 9

• Students 6,091

• Marshall, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: Overall, Marshall has been a pretty good experience. As a senior, I have been a part of many changes that have occurred in the school, the good and the bad. Changes to the schedule have been very frustrating, as well as some issues with schedules and transcripts have been hard to deal with when trying to apply to colleges and for scholarships. I have had a good experience with pretty much all of the staff, they are mostly all very accommodating when changes need to be made and they almost always have our best interests at heart. Marshall has pretty good science and music programs, but the Math is somewhat lacking. The schedule changes that have been discussed for the following years will cut off some of the availability for students to be involved in the arts as things such as Band and Choir will become less of a priority. I feel that currently, I would give the school 4 stars, but if changes are made that I have been hearing about, I would probably rate it 2 stars.... Read 8 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 5

• Students 990

• Deerfield, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: I have really enjoyed attending Deerfield Community School District. Most of my teachers have been very helpful and friendly and for the most part a lot of the students are nice and good friends.... Read 5 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 3

• Students 726