Best High Schools
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We ranked all 50 high schools in Milwaukee. The top 25 scored between 5.7 and 8.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Wisconsin education data
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
Escuela Verde
Reagan College Preparatory High
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Wisconsin so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL | 8.5 |
| 2 | Escuela Verde Charter Trans Center for Youth Inc | 8.3 |
| 3 | Reagan College Preparatory High Milwaukee School District | 8.3 |
| 4 | Lad Lake Synergy School Milwaukee School District | 8.1 |
| 5 | Riverside High Milwaukee School District | 7.7 |
| 6 | Groppi High Milwaukee School District | 7.5 |
| 7 | ST JOAN ANTIDA HIGH SCHOOL | 7.1 |
| 8 | ST THOMAS MORE HIGH SCHOOL | 7.0 |
| 9 | DIVINE SAVIOR HOLY ANGELS HIGH SCHOOL | 6.9 |
| 10 | King International Milwaukee School District | 6.8 |
| 11 | Project STAY-Supporting Teachers and Youth Milwaukee School District | 6.7 |
| 12 | Pulaski High Milwaukee School District | 6.7 |
| 13 | Transition High Milwaukee School District | 6.7 |
| 14 | South Accelerated Academy Milwaukee School District | 6.7 |
| 15 | ASSATA High Milwaukee School District | 6.6 |
| 16 | Banner Preparatory School of Milwaukee Milwaukee School District | 6.5 |
| 17 | Alliance School of Milwaukee Charter Milwaukee School District | 6.4 |
| 18 | Hamilton High Milwaukee School District | 6.3 |
| 19 | South Division High Milwaukee School District | 6.3 |
| 20 | Pathways High Charter Pathways High Inc | 6.2 |
| 21 | Milwaukee High School of the Arts Milwaukee School District | 6.1 |
| 22 | Milwaukee School of Languages Milwaukee School District | 6.0 |
| 23 | Harold S Vincent School of Agricultural Science Milwaukee School District | 5.8 |
| 24 | North Division High Milwaukee School District | 5.8 |
| 25 | Dr Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy Charter Dr Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy Inc | 5.7 |
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 is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 5.9/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.