Best High Schools
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We ranked the 47 high schools in Milwaukee with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.0 and 8.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Wisconsin education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Milwaukee for 2026 are Dominican High School (8.5/10), Lad Lake Synergy School (8.3/10), and Banner Preparatory School of Milwaukee (8.1/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 47 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Milwaukee?
Every high school in Milwaukee is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Dominican High School
Milwaukee, WI. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Lad Lake Synergy School
Milwaukee, WI. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Banner Preparatory School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Milwaukee's ranked high school landscape spans 38 schools, with performance ranging considerably across the metro. The average composite score sits at 5.8/10, but the top of the table looks meaningfully different — Escuela Verde and Reagan College Preparatory High both reach 8.3/10, the highest marks in the city. Only 5 schools, or 13% of ranked high schools, clear the 7/10 threshold, making that upper tier a useful filter when comparing options. The table below covers all 38 schools and can be sorted by overall score, academics, or other factors depending on what matters most to your family. Lad Lake Synergy School, Riverside High, and Groppi High round out the top five and are worth a close look alongside the leaders. Whether you're prioritizing academic rigor, school size, or location, the data here gives you a direct way to cut through the noise.
Dominican High School
Lad Lake Synergy School
Banner Preparatory School of Milwaukee
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Milwaukee's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Wisconsin so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 47 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Wisconsin education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Wisconsin. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High Schools in Milwaukee
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Milwaukee's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Milwaukee
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Milwaukee's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Wisconsin, with 50 schools spanning 16 school districts, plus 11 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Dominican High School is the top-rated high school in Milwaukee with a composite score of 8.5/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many high schools are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee has 50 high schools, including 11 charter schools. Of these, 48 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Milwaukee?
The average composite score for Milwaukee high schools is 5.3/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Wisconsin).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Wisconsin, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Wisconsin, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Milwaukee high school rankings?
Yes. Milwaukee has 11 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.