2024 Best School Districts in the Milwaukee Area

• Brookfield, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.44 out of 5  165 reviews

Middle School Student: I really enjoyed my time at Wisconsin Hills Middle School! Most of the people there were really nice and caring, and I felt so comfortable talking to my friends and teachers. The academics are really good too, at my school. For math, the school district offers numerous opportunities to excel in the subject, as they place you in more advanced level courses that your other peers if you need a challenge. The teachers and staff are also super encouraging and helpful if you need extra guidance in any subject. In Language Arts, classic novels are being read and we have book clubs to interact and share thoughts with peers. Overall, I just love the environment at my school!... Read 165 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 7,727

• Muskego, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.57 out of 5  112 reviews

Alum: Muskego has been a great district since I joined in Kindergarten. I since graduated but the teachers and support staff that they employ are the best of the best. Although there are many first-year teachers which may be aggravating for some, it is an enjoyable experience letting them learn the ropes of the district too. Athletics at Muskego High School are top notch as they provide opportunities for both genders from very young ages to participate in sports and activities. Administration at Muskego High School is extremely thorough in their processes of disciplinary actions and provides a great resource to students to reach out if they are struggling or need help. Their college prep is also extremely advanced compared to other districts, once a month we have development meetings focusing on life past high school. Overall, Muskego is one of the best districts in Wisconsin and the United States for a reason, they are passionate and give every student the best education possible.... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,745

• Whitefish Bay, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: The academic standards are incredibly high at this district, the high school is %100 a college prep high school and prepares the students extremely well for the content and workload of a typical college student. The teachers are phenomenal, they take the time to adhere to the student's needs and genuinely care for the wellbeing of every student. The heart of this school district is with the teachers, however the School Board tends not to listen to their concerns.The theater program is very advanced with a large stage and many musical/play productions. Students are encouraged to participate in a sport or club as well.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,847

• Mequon, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.35 out of 5  43 reviews

Other: This school is great. Teachers are very professional, and kind, and wish the best for all students. They make sure students understand the material and offer help if struggling. Counselors will help you with any questions regarding school and college. The administration pays a lot of attention to the safety of students. And also adds new additions to the school, such as the Highlander Café, outdoor classrooms, and collaboration zones. Students can choose from a variety of electives, clubs, and sports that they find interest in. New courses are added every now and then, which are really interesting. The newest one was PLTW Aerospace Engineering which was very interesting and had lots of physical projects. Some things I didn't like were the traffic in the hallways and some courses lacking large-scale physical demonstrations. But, overall the school is great.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,504

• Cedarburg, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  48 reviews

Senior: I attend Cedarburg Highschool and in terms of academics and staff i feel like I have the best of the best! I have learned so much and those teaching me were always there to help if I needed it. Acedemics range from algebra to chemistry to theater to painting and even coding and robatics. It was also not hard to find extra curricular activities. There are clubs for everyone,some academic based and some sports and technology based. I always felt safe at school aswell. Not only does the school have and officer on site, but we are conveniently located 2 mins away from our local police department. The only thing i would improve at the school/district would be the food. Its just not good and i feel like there could be more healthy options. Overall my experience at Cedarburg has been great! You are surrounded by support and have great reasources at your finger tips.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,108

• Pewaukee, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  46 reviews

Alum: As an alumnus of Pewaukee High School, I can confidently say that my experience there was exceptional. The school provided a nurturing environment that fostered both academic and personal growth. The faculty was dedicated and knowledgeable, always going the extra mile to ensure our success. The wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs allowed us to explore our passions and develop leadership skills. The sense of community at Pewaukee High School was remarkable, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and support. The school prepared me well for my future endeavors, instilling in me a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Overall, I am proud to have attended Pewaukee High School and grateful for the lasting impact it has had on my life.... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,903

• Shorewood, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  26 reviews

Senior: I enjoyed my high school experience at Shorewood, but I also know that my success and happiness have a lot to do with my race and interests. Shorewood is not at all diverse, mostly because the North Shore area of Milwaukee is predominantly white. I also have interests in music and the performing arts, and because of that, I was able to thrive in Shorewood's arts programs. However, they started to decline during Covid and now are just a fraction of what they once were when I started high school. Shorewood's campus and overall location is very safe. We are not at all good at sports and participation in sports teams is very low. Most of the teachers are good, and the school does a very adequate job of preparing you for college.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,915

• Greendale, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: I've loved attending a school focused on challenging its students. Recently, however, certain policy changes and rules have negatively changed the school's culture.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,673

• Sussex, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: I’ve had a great experience since I joined the district in 4th grade! I’ve been positively included, supported by my teachers and embraced for my differences. As a person with autism, social differences have been a challenge at times but the students and teachers within this district have taught me how to know my strengths and areas for growth and use my strengths to my advantage. I commend the students, teachers and administration for systematically growing academics, arts and athletics with equal fervor. I am forever grateful to be an HHS Charger!... Read 54 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,007

• Menomonee Falls, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  43 reviews

Alum: I liked the sports environment and how much people respected student athletes, always made athletes feel successful for their accomplishments and proud. A lot of good resources available and easy access to them. Overall there's many good opportunities that is offered and available for students in many aspects .... Read 43 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,937

• Wales, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: KMHS is abundant with opportunities for all different types of students with different interests. I cannot applaud them enough for being capable of offering 4 different charter schools along with our "typical" high school, "legacy." KMHS puts in the time and effort to make sure there is something that suits every student through our charter schools. With them, it makes opportunities possible for our students interested in theater, or our students interested in pursuing a medical career. One thing at KM I would enjoy seeing change is the way that we treat others who differ from us. Because of our advanced charter program, students are gaining opportunities in the classroom but losing the connection with students who differ from them. The medical kids and the theater kids will never sit in the same classroom together and work side by side because of the division in charters. KMHS has amazing opportunities to learn materialistic things but loses sight of personal connection.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 11

• Students 3,575

• New Berlin, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: I have attended schools within the New Berlin School District from Kindergarten to now my senior year. The district has a great coherence between the schools and the education grows as you progress through the system. There are many opportunities to succeed and push yourself academically. For example, I was offered the ability to test into higher math classes in elementary school & took middle school math in elementary school. Also the middle and high schools are connected which is nice because middle school students have the ability to take high school classes. In middle school, I took two years of high school Spanish and math classes. Also, being in the same building for middle and high school allows for a more seamless transition from middle school to high school. The staff in the New Berlin School District also try to provide every opportunity possible for their students to be successful. It is encouraged to take AP classes, take classes at local colleges, & partake in internships.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,241

• Franklin, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience in the Franklin Public school district has been good. The high school is filled with many devoted teachers and staff. The majority of the teachers care about the students and their learning. With the exception of a few teachers, they work their hardest to keep students up to date on their learning. They successfully do this by addressing the individual needs of many students. However, withe the good also comes the bad. Although there are many great aspects of the school when it comes to the model of it, there are some downfalls. The tight hallways make passing times very slow and congested. In addition, the cafeteria is somewhat out of date and could use a modernized update. All in all, the school district in general is well ran and successful, however, there is a handful of minor changes many students would like to see.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,767

• Grafton, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  26 reviews

Works Here: It's great to see how many parents work and have students in the district. That shows you that they are invested and obviously trust their children are getting a good education. I am one of those people. Not only is it a great place to work, but my kids are receiving an excellent education!... Read 26 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,047

• Wauwatosa, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: Wauwatosa school district is a good community that works to support students especially in their needs and special accommodations. Although there have been a rise in physical fights the past few years, administration is working hard and succeeding in lowering those numbers.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 17

• Students 6,968

• Oak Creek, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  76 reviews

Senior: Positive experience. A lot of opportunities for all students. There are many different clubs and activities available. The teachers care about student engagement and make efforts to help all students. There are many sports you can be involved with during your four year high school education. They have committed to bettering the school and have put money into the gyms and recently built an amazing performing arts center. They have a marching band that has won state numerous times. This is the first year they have done block scheduling and it is going to take a while for it to get worked out and have teachers and students comfortable with the new longer class periods and go time. Teachers or students can request to get extra help during the daily go times and it has lessened the amount of after school tutoring that is needed by both students and teachers. They offer a wide range of classes and give students opportunities that can benefit them after graduation.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 11

• Students 6,522

• Germantown, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: My experience at Germantown School District was good! From starting in 6th grade to just becoming a senior, I have no complaints. All of my teachers were extremely helpful and truely wanted to give us the best education they possibly could!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,842

• Port Washington, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  39 reviews

Senior: I have been a part of the Port Washington-Saukville School District my whole life. I started at Dunwiddie during my five elementary school years. This was an excellent place to begin my education. The teachers are passionate and caring. I was then ready to go to middle school. I attended Thomas Jefferson Middle School. This is where I made many close friends that I am still friends with to this day as a senior. Middle school is always an awkward time in everyone's life, but the staff helped everyone feel comfortable and taken care of. Now I attend Port Washington High School. This school offers many activities, clubs, and academic opportunities. I feel prepared for my future and college, and I had many helpful resources to help me along the way. I am thankful to be a part of such a wonderful district.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,606

• Mukwonago, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: Such a friendly community, staff are wonderful! The teachers truly care about you and are willing to put in the effort to help you out. Just because the students hate school doesn't mean they should hate their peers and teachers. That's what everyone gets wrong.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,069

• Oconomowoc, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  48 reviews

Senior: Good job setting kids up with a plan with their future. The diversity in the club and activities that are available provide great opportunities for all students. Most of the teachers do a really good job helping students and providing extra opportunities for growth including extra study time and extra work if needed. Overall, good school spirit and everyone supports one another!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,031

• Waukesha, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  229 reviews

Senior: Overall my experience with the School District of Waukesha has been pretty decent. I really do recognize how fortunate I am to have gone to school in a good district with not only the proper resources to educate me, but also be able to keep up with technology and current trends. I am thankful for my teachers who do the best they can to help their students and really enjoy going that extra step for their kids. Some things that could be better about my experience is more real world readiness. Though students do need to take some responsibility for their future, I do think that schools should better focus in on life skills that aren’t just focused on continuing into higher education. An example of this would be finance classes.... Read 229 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 28

• Students 12,080

• Greenfield, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.49 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: The teachers in Whitnall high school are amazing! They are very helpful and they all care for the students. They teaching is Whitnall is very understandable. Anyone can understand. The classrooms are also very convenient, the school doesn't have too many students occupied in a class or too few. the class size is just perfect. The lunch ladies too are great, their food is also awesome. I am glad I attend Whitnall high school. I also love all the wonderful opportunities Whitnall high school provides for students, opportunities like volunteering to teach your fellow students with courses they are struggling with, wonderful clubs are available where one can showcase their talent, and community-based opportunities too for students who like to help out in their community. I also like Whitnall high school's theater. They have an amazing auditorium where plays are presented and talents are showcased. The school isn't really diverse, but you feel very welcomed especially by the staff members.... Read 43 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,400

• Greenfield, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  22 reviews

Alum: Whenever others look back on their high school experience it is always negative. We always remember the bullying and the fights, which was something that was very apparent there. Although I feel this high school struggled with these issues I feel they tried to do their best distracting kids from it such as throwing nice prom dances and spirt days however it doesn't overshadow their lack of effort to fix the true mental health issues caused from their laziness. Myself and my siblings attended this school. My sister had gotten bullied so much she had gone to the staff multiple times however every time there would be no true change or punishment. Therefore it continued and so much to the point where she has to attend a different high school. There needs to be some major improvements to this high school. Personally I would not send my kids to this school.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,392

• Kenosha, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  98 reviews

Senior: At the top of the list, the support for musical programs is highly admirable. KUSD holds annual musical events that most other districts do not meet. No matter what high school you choose in the district, each has its own specialized paths for possible careers, including automotive, culinary, and military. One things that is more questionable in the district is organization. The execution of celebrations and events do not always seem thought through. Last minute changes and dates concerning events makes it difficult for those performing in and attending the events to help it run smoothly. While schools may have great programs for certain careers, one theme that seems to be lacking throughout the district is language options. Most schools are lucky to provide anything outside of Spanish and French, while others languages like Mandarin are used just as much in real world situations and careers. Overall, there are give and takes, but the love for education and opportunities resonate.... Read 98 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 43

• Students 19,381

• South Milwaukee, WI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  33 reviews

Alum: I went to South Milwaukee for my entire life from K5-12. Overall, I had a good experience however, I felt like I was held back academically and couldn't learn at a faster pace for myself. School became less interesting to me because it felt like I wasn't being challenged and a lot of the courses felt like review of what I already knew. High school was better when I was able to pick my classes and the class schedule was in a block format which prepared me for college. The overall atmosphere was good, but I know new kids had a hard time joining in. The students and staff have close bonds and typically know each other through family and past events or sports. The majority of the teachers were great, you could tell many of them were passionate. The art teacher in middle school honestly tore down a lot of kids' confidence and passion for art. Her name was Ms. L and many of the kids have complaints about her and I'm sure parents could say something too.... Read 33 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,863