Public Schools
Public Education in Southeastern Wisconsin
Southeastern Wisconsin offers families access to a wide range of highly regarded public school districts, many of which consistently earn strong ratings from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Communities throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Racine Counties provide diverse educational opportunities, including traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, language immersion programs, and virtual learning options.
Most Wisconsin school districts operate as unified K-12 systems, serving students from elementary through high school. In some suburban communities, however, elementary and high school districts are organized separately, with several elementary districts feeding into a single high school district (for example, several feed into Nicolet Union High School District).
Wisconsin evaluates all public schools and districts through an annual accountability system that measures student achievement, academic growth, graduation readiness, and outcomes for students requiring additional support. School and district report cards are available through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website.
Wisconsin Public School Open Enrollment
Wisconsin’s Public School Open Enrollment Program allows parents to apply for their children to attend a public school district other than the district in which they reside, provided space is available.
The regular application period typically opens in early February and closes at the end of April each year. For the 2026-27 school year, applications were accepted from February 2 through April 30. Transportation is generally the responsibility of parents, although some districts may offer limited transportation services.
Parents may apply to multiple nonresident school districts for each child. Students who are already attending a district through open enrollment generally do not need to reapply annually, although families should verify requirements when students transition to a new school level.
Additional information and online applications are available through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are publicly funded, nonsectarian schools that operate under a charter agreement granting them greater flexibility in curriculum design, instructional methods, and school operations. This flexibility allows charter schools to develop innovative educational approaches while remaining accountable for student performance.
Like traditional public schools, charter schools must employ licensed educators, participate in state assessments, and comply with health and safety requirements. Charter schools often focus on specialized educational models, including STEM, Montessori, project-based learning, college preparation, and career-focused programs.
Virtual Charter Schools
Virtual charter schools deliver all or part of their instruction online, allowing students to learn remotely while remaining enrolled in a publicly funded school program. Students typically work from home and interact with teachers through virtual classrooms, email, video conferencing, and online learning platforms.
Virtual schools can be an attractive option for families seeking scheduling flexibility, individualized pacing, or alternative learning environments.
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Wisconsin offers several programs that allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Through programs such as the Early College Credit Program and Start College Now, students may take courses at colleges, universities, and technical colleges while still enrolled in high school.
Dual-enrollment programs can reduce future college costs, accelerate degree completion, and expose students to college-level coursework before graduation.
Home-Based Education
Wisconsin law allows parents and guardians to provide a home-based private educational program for their children. Families choosing this option must annually file the required form with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and provide at least 875 hours of instruction each school year.
State law requires instruction in core academic areas including Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Health. Home-based education continues to be a popular option for families seeking flexibility and individualized learning experiences.
Top-Tier & Exceptional Public School Districts
These districts consistently earn 5-star ratings and rank among Wisconsin’s best for academics, college readiness, and community outcomes. They are frequently top choices for relocating families seeking outstanding public education.
⭐ Whitefish Bay School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOP 1–3 IN STATE
Website: wfbschools.com | Phone: (414) 351-7000
Students: 2,860
Avg. ACT: 25
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 95%
Strengths: Exceptional test scores, outstanding AP participation, elite college placement, consistently highest DPI ratings.
Uniqueness: High-intensity academic culture with strong community support – often ranked #1 in Milwaukee County.
⭐ Mequon–Thiensville School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOP TIER
Website: mtsd.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 238-8500
Students: 3,570
Avg. ACT: 23.3
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 93%
Strengths: Elite STEM/AP performance, very high college readiness (top 3–5% statewide), strong growth metrics. 2024-25: Significantly Exceeds Expectations.
Uniqueness: Premier suburban district with excellent facilities and high family engagement.
⭐ Elmbrook School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOP TIER
Website: elmbrookschools.org | Phone: (262) 781-3030
Students: Large district 7,860
Avg. ACT: 25
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 95%
Strengths: One of the highest-performing large districts in WI, strong AP/IB rigor, excellent extracurriculars.
Uniqueness: Large-scale elite suburban system (frequently ranked #1 overall in recent independent rankings).
⭐ Shorewood School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOP TIER
Website: shorewood.k12.wi.us | Phone: (414) 963-6900
Compact district
Students: 1,930
Avg. ACT: 24.2
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 95%
Strengths: High rigor, strong arts/global focus, solid college outcomes.
Uniqueness: Dense, vibrant urban-village setting with intense academic focus.
⭐ Cedarburg School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING
Website: cedarburg.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 376-6100
Students: 3,103
Avg. ACT: 24.1
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 97.9%
Historic community
Strengths: Consistent excellence, strong community ties and balanced programs.
Uniqueness: Historic community with balanced, high-quality schools.
Additional High-Performing Standouts: Hamilton School District (Waukesha Co., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH GROWTH), and several others noted in county sections below.
Public School Districts by County
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)
Large urban system
Website: mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us | Phone: (414) 475-8393
Largest in WI
Students: 66,000
Avg. ACT: 21
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 50%
Strengths: Extensive magnet, IB, Montessori, charter & specialty schools (Rufus King, Reagan, Golda Meir). Strong CTE pipelines.
Uniqueness: Multi-system educational network rather than single uniform district. Individual schools vary widely in performance. Many specialty options available (see Magnet & Specialty section).
Wauwatosa School District
Strong suburban-urban hybrid
Website: wauwatosa.k12.wi.us | Phone: (414) 773-1000
Stable enrollment
Students: 6,700
Avg. ACT: 21
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 81%
Strengths: Strong academics, balanced AP/arts/athletics, walkable neighborhood schools.
Uniqueness: Urban-suburban hybrid with high stability and good outcomes.
Greendale School District
Planned community model
Website: greendale.k12.wi.us | Phone: (414) 423-2700
Cohesive K-12
Students: 2,609
Avg. ACT: 21
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: Strong/above average
Strengths: Stable academic performance, strong community-school integration.
Uniqueness: One of the only planned-community school districts in the U.S.
Franklin Public Schools
Fast-growth suburban
Website: franklin.k12.wi.us | Phone: (414) 529-8220
Expanding
Students: 4,700
Avg. ACT: 27
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 69%
Strengths: Rapidly expanding STEM programs, new facilities and infrastructure.
Uniqueness: Fast-growth district transitioning into a regional education hub.
Oak Creek–Franklin School District
Industry-aligned
Website: ocfsd.org | Phone: (414) 768-5880
Strong pathways
Students: 6,500
Avg. ACT: 25
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 58%
Strengths: Strong STEM and career pathways, high graduation and college readiness.
Uniqueness: Direct alignment with manufacturing and engineering workforce pipelines.
Whitnall School District
Compact high-cohesion
Website: whitnall.com | Phone: (414) 525-8400
Small-to-mid size
Students: 2,400
Avg. ACT: 22
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 56%
Strengths: Strong academic stability, personalized learning environment.
Uniqueness: Compact, high-cohesion suburban district surrounded by larger systems.
West Allis–West Milwaukee
Core metro transformation
Website: wawm.k12.wi.us | Phone: (414) 604-3000
Diverse pathways
Students: 6,650
Avg. ACT: 23
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA
Strengths: Strong CTE and workforce development focus, central metro accessibility.
Uniqueness: Core metro district undergoing ongoing academic transformation.
Nicolet Union High School District (Feeder)
Regional elite high school
Website: nicolet.us
Multi-community
Students: 1,050
Avg. ACT: High 20’s (strong)
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 82%
Strengths: High-performing regional high school with strong AP and college placement.
Uniqueness: Regional elite high school system spanning multiple suburbs (Shorewood/Whitefish Bay feeder). Strong feeder systems from Fox Point–Bayside and Glendale–River Hills.
Fox Point–Bayside / Glendale–River Hills
Strong feeder systems
Websites: fpxb.org / glendale.k12.wi.us
Small supportive
Students: 850
Avg. ACT: K4-8 district-no high school
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: K4-8 district, feed into Nicolet
Strengths: Strong elementary/middle academic pipeline feeding into Nicolet.
Uniqueness: Direct feeder into Nicolet with high academic consistency and personalized support.
Waukesha County (Strong Regional Performer)
Hamilton School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH GROWTH
Website: hamilton.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 246-1973
Fast-growing
Students: 5,131
Avg. ACT: 27.5
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 89%
Strengths: One of the fastest-growing high-performing districts, strong STEM innovation, modern facilities.
Uniqueness: Rapid-growth, future-oriented suburban district.
Muskego–Norway School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING
Website: muskegonorway.org | Phone: (262) 971-1800
Well-rounded
Students: 4,659
Avg. ACT: 22.9
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 90%
Strengths: Strong academics and ACT performance, competitive athletics, high community engagement.
Uniqueness: Well-rounded suburban district with strong identity cohesion.
Mukwonago Area School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING
Website: masd.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 363-6300
Balanced
Students: 5,000+
Avg. ACT: 25.5
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 64%
Strengths: Strong graduation outcomes, balanced academic and career programs.
Uniqueness: Suburban-rural hybrid with steady academic strength.
Kettle Moraine School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ INNOVATION-FOCUSED
Website: kmsd.edu | Phone: (262) 968-6300
Forward-leaning
Students: 3,421
Avg. ACT: 23.8
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA (Strong)
Strengths: Innovative instructional models, strong AP and college pathways.
Uniqueness: Forward-leaning district emphasizing flexible learning design.
Pewaukee School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING
Website: pewaukeeschools.org | Phone: (262) 970-1107
Lake Country
Students: 2,932
Avg. ACT: 27
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA (Strong)
Strengths: Strong academic consistency, beautiful Lake Country suburban environment.
Uniqueness: Lake-region district with strong academic and lifestyle balance.
New Berlin School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING
Website: nbexcellence.org | Phone: (262) 789-6290
Dual high school
Students: 4,253
Avg. ACT: 25.5
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 80%+
Strengths: Dual high school system, strong AP and extracurricular offerings.
Uniqueness: Large suburban district with split high school pathways.
Oconomowoc Area School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ LAKE COUNTRY GROWTH
Website: oasd.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 560-2100
Growth hub
Students: 4,951
Avg. ACT: 21.2
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong Pathways
Strengths: Strong academic expansion, high growth suburban enrollment.
Uniqueness: Lake Country growth hub district.
School District of Waukesha
Large multi-track
Website: sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 970-1012
Portfolio model
Students: 9,675
Avg. ACT: Low to mid-20’s, varies by school
% Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong Focus
Strengths: Large district with multiple program pathways, STEM and charter offerings.
Uniqueness: Multi-track “portfolio district” with diverse student pathways. (Home to Waukesha STEM Academy — see Specialty Schools section.)
Ozaukee County
⭐ Top-Tier Districts in Ozaukee County: Mequon–Thiensville (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOP TIER), Cedarburg (⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING)
Mequon–Thiensville School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TOP TIER
Website: mtsd.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 238-8500
Strong enrollment
Students: 3,570
Avg. ACT: 23.3
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: ~93%
Strengths: Elite STEM/AP performance, very high college readiness (top 3–5% statewide), strong growth metrics. 2024-25: Significantly Exceeds Expectations.
Uniqueness: Premier suburban district with excellent facilities and high family engagement. One of Wisconsin’s top academic districts.
Cedarburg School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING
Website: cedarburg.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 376-6100
Historic community
Students: 3,103
Avg. ACT: 24.1
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 97.9%
Strengths: Very strong academic consistency, excellent community engagement, strong extracurricular balance.
Uniqueness: Historic community with consistently high-performing schools and balanced programs.
Grafton School District
Strong suburban
Website: grafton.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 376-5500
Smaller suburban
Students: 2,200
Avg. ACT: 23.3
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong
Strengths: Strong student growth metrics, balanced academics and activities.
Uniqueness: A smaller suburban district with strong support systems and good academic outcomes.
Port Washington–Saukville School District
Coastal CTE focus
Website: pwssd.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 268-6000
Lake Michigan
Students: 2,478
Avg. ACT: 26
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 58%
Strengths: Strong CTE and applied learning programs, Lake Michigan coastal identity.
Uniqueness: A coastal district balancing vocational + academic pathways with strong community ties.
Washington County
⭐ High-Performing District: Slinger School District (⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING)
Germantown School District
Strong suburban stability
Website: germantown.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 253-3900
Consistent performer
Students: 3,698
Avg. ACT: 27
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong
Strengths: Strong academics and stability, consistent suburban performance.
Uniqueness: A reliable, high-quality suburban district with strong community support.
Slinger School District
⭐⭐⭐⭐ HIGH PERFORMING
Website: slinger.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 644-5261
Strong K-12 pipeline
Students: 3,234
Avg. ACT: 26.5
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: 60.2%
Strengths: Strong K–12 pipeline, high-performing high school outcomes, consistent excellence.
Uniqueness: A stable, high-achievement suburban district with excellent continuity from elementary through high school.
Hartford Union High School District
Regional workforce focus
Website: hartfordunionhighschool.com | Phone: (262) 670-3200
Regional high school
Students: 1,364
Avg. ACT: 26
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong
Strengths: Strong vocational and technical education, regional high school structure.
Uniqueness: A regional workforce-aligned high school system serving multiple communities with solid technical pathways.
Racine County
Racine Unified School District
Large choice-based system
Website: rusd.org | Phone: (262) 635-5600
Large urban/suburban
Students: 15,963
Avg. ACT: Varies significantly by school
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: ~35%
Strengths: Large district with many program options, magnet and career pathways, significant internal school choice.
Uniqueness: A high-variation district with significant school choice internally and diverse offerings.
Burlington Area School District
Small-city strong performer
Website: basd.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 763-0200
Consistent academics
Students: 2,800
Avg. ACT: 24
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong prep
Strengths: Strong academic consistency, small-city supportive environment.
Uniqueness: A reliable district in a supportive small-city setting with steady outcomes.
Waterford Union High School District
Strong community outcomes
Website: waterforduhs.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 534-3189
Solid balance
Students: 890
Avg. ACT: NA, solid performance
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: Over 80%
Strengths: Strong academic outcomes, solid extracurricular balance.
Uniqueness: A community-focused district with good overall student success and activities.
Union Grove School District
High-performing small district
Website: ug.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 878-2434
Small & strong
Students: 1,032
Avg. ACT: 26
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong
Strengths: High-performing small district, strong community involvement.
Uniqueness: A compact district delivering strong results through close community ties.
Kenosha County
Kenosha Unified School District
Large urban-suburban hybrid
Website: kusd.edu | Phone: (262) 359-6300
Extensive choice
Students: 18,719
Avg. ACT: 24
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Varies by school
Strengths: Large system with program diversity, magnet and IB options, strong career and technical education.
Uniqueness: A large urban-suburban hybrid district with extensive internal choice and many specialty programs.
Pleasant Prairie School District
Small strong community
Website: pp.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 664-8500
High engagement
Students: 542 (elementary)
Avg. ACT: NA, feeds into Kenosha Unified School District
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, feeds into Kenosha Unified School District
Strengths: Small, strong community schools, high engagement environment.
Uniqueness: A compact district delivering personalized education in a supportive community setting.
Wilmot Union High School District
Rural-suburban balance
Website: wilmoths.k12.wi.us | Phone: (262) 862-2351
Extracurricular strong
Students: 900 (elementary)
Avg. ACT: 25
%Attend College/Postsecondary Education: NA, Strong focus
Strengths: Rural-suburban academic balance, strong extracurricular participation.
Uniqueness: A district offering a good mix of academic and activity opportunities in a smaller setting.
Choosing a Public District
Southeastern Wisconsin districts now clearly fall into these categories for family relocation decisions:
⭐ Elite Statewide Districts (5-Star Standouts)
Whitefish Bay (Milwaukee Co.) • Mequon–Thiensville (Ozaukee Co.) • Elmbrook (Waukesha Co.) • Shorewood (Milwaukee Co.) • Cedarburg (Ozaukee Co.) • Hamilton (Waukesha Co.)
⭐ High-Performing Suburban Systems
Muskego-Norway • Mukwonago • Pewaukee • Slinger • New Berlin • Oconomowoc • Kettle Moraine (Waukesha area focus)
⭐ Lake Country & Growth Districts
Oconomowoc • Kettle Moraine • Franklin • Whitnall • Pewaukee
⭐ Large Choice-Based Urban Systems
Milwaukee • Racine • Kenosha (with strong specialty, magnet, IB, and career pathway options within)
For the most current individual school data, always check the official DPI Report Card Portal: https://apps6.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards/
Notable Magnet, Charter & Specialty Public Schools
Southeastern Wisconsin offers a variety of magnet, charter, language immersion, Montessori, and STEM-focused schools that provide alternatives to traditional public-school programs. Many of these schools attract students from throughout a district and may require an application, lottery, or specialized admissions process.
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Montessori Schools
Milwaukee Public Schools operates one of the largest public Montessori networks in the nation, serving more than 4,000 students across eight schools. Montessori education emphasizes hands-on learning, student independence, and individualized instruction. Notable schools include:
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Edward A. MacDowell Montessori School (K3–12) — One of the nation’s only public K-12 Montessori schools.
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Maryland Avenue Montessori School (K3–8)
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Fernwood Montessori School (K3–8)
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Bay View Montessori School (K3–8)
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Craig Montessori School (K3–8)
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Riley Dual Language Montessori School (English-Spanish Montessori)
Students typically apply through the Milwaukee Public Schools enrollment process. Entry-level grades often use a lottery system when demand exceeds available seats. Montessori experience may be considered for upper-grade transfers.
Language Immersion Schools (Milwaukee Public Schools)
Language immersion programs teach core academic subjects in a target language, helping students develop fluency while meeting traditional academic standards. Notable programs include:
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Milwaukee German Immersion School
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Milwaukee French Immersion School
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Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School
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Riley Dual Language Montessori School (English-Spanish)
These schools are highly sought after and often have waiting lists. Families generally apply through the MPS school choice and enrollment process. Early entry in kindergarten is strongly recommended because students begin language acquisition from the first day of school.
Waukesha STEM Academy
Part of the School District of Waukesha, the Waukesha STEM Academy focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through project-based learning and engineering-centered curriculum. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation skills.
How to Apply: Families submit an application through the School District of Waukesha. Enrollment may be limited and often includes a lottery process when applications exceed available seats.
High School of Health Sciences
Located in Wales and operated in partnership with local healthcare organizations, this charter school prepares students for careers in healthcare, medicine, nursing, biotechnology, and related fields. Students receive both rigorous academics and career-focused experiences.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted directly to the school. Enrollment may include an application review process and informational sessions.
Ronald Reagan High School (Milwaukee)
One of Milwaukee’s premier specialty high schools, Ronald Reagan offers strong college-preparatory academics, Advanced Placement coursework, and an International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway.
How to Apply: Students apply through Milwaukee Public Schools’ specialty school admissions process. Admission is competitive and based on academic criteria.
Rufus King International High School (Milwaukee)
Widely recognized as one of Wisconsin’s top public high schools, Rufus King offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum.
How to Apply: Admission is competitive and based on academic achievement, attendance, and other selection criteria through Milwaukee Public Schools.
Milwaukee School of Languages
Serving grades 6-12, Milwaukee School of Languages continues language immersion education for students from the district’s immersion elementary schools while also offering advanced language study opportunities for new students.
How to Apply: Through Milwaukee Public Schools enrollment and specialty school application processes.
Application Tips for Specialty Programs
Most specialty schools require families to:
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Submit an application during the district’s enrollment period.
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Meet program-specific eligibility requirements, if applicable.
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Participate in a lottery process when demand exceeds capacity.
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Apply early, particularly for Montessori and language immersion programs where demand often exceeds available seats.
For current deadlines, admission requirements, and available seats, families should consult the respective school district’s enrollment office or website, as procedures and timelines may change annually.
Resources & Final Guidance for Relocating Families
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions when relocating to Southeastern Wisconsin. The region’s mix of high-performing public districts, innovative specialty programs, and diverse private options provides families with genuine choice.
Key Recommendations:
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Research by Priority: Start with your non-negotiables (e.g., specific academic programs, faith integration, small class sizes, location convenience, or extracurricular focus) and cross-reference the district/school profiles above.
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Visit in Person: Schedule tours and attend open houses. The “feel” of a school community is often as important as the statistics.
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Leverage Open Enrollment: Many families successfully use Wisconsin’s open enrollment process to access higher-rated districts even if they live in a different attendance area.
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Consider Commute & Community: School quality often correlates with neighborhood desirability. Explore how specific districts align with your housing search on DiscoverMilwaukee.com.
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Financial Planning: Public education is tuition-free; private schools vary widely in cost but frequently offer robust financial aid packages.
Essential Links:
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Wisconsin DPI School Report Cards: https://apps6.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards/
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Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Schools Map: org/maps/schools
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Wisconsin Open Enrollment Information: Available via DPI website
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com — Your resource for neighborhoods, housing, events, and family life in the Milwaukee area.