Best Schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
259 schools · 170 Elementary · 12 Middle · 53 High · 24 Other
Choosing a school in Milwaukee?
Use this page to compare every school in Milwaukee by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Bayside Middle
Middle · Fox Point J2 School District. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Stormonth Elementary
Elementary · Fox Point J2 School District. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Downtown Montessori
Elementary · Downtown Montessori Academy Inc. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Milwaukee for 2026 are Bayside Middle (9.6/10), Stormonth Elementary (9.2/10), and Downtown Montessori (8.3/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 170 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
259
178 public · 81 private
Avg Score
5.3
out of 10
Median Home
$209,300
home value · ACS
Districts
16
serving the city
Schools
259
178 public · 81 private
Avg Score
5.3
out of 10
Median Home
$209,300
home value · ACS
Districts
16
serving the city
Rates 7.7/10 despite 98% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.2 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Milwaukee schools.
Top-Rated Schools in Milwaukee
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 170 rated schools; 259 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayside Middle | 9.6 / 10 |
| 2 | Stormonth Elementary | 9.2 / 10 |
| 3 | Downtown Montessori | 8.3 / 10 |
| 4 | Bay View Montessori School | 7.8 / 10 |
| 5 | Stellar Collegiate Charter School | 7.7 / 10 |
| 6 | United Community Center Acosta Middle School | 7.6 / 10 |
| 7 | Reagan College Preparatory High | 7.6 / 10 |
| 8 | Cooper Elementary | 7.4 / 10 |
| 9 | Highland Community School | 7.2 / 10 |
| 10 | Whittier Elementary | 7.1 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.3/10
- Median household income
- $61,873
- Median home value
- $209,300
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 34%
- Avg commute
- 22 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 45%
15% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Milwaukee compares
Wisconsin rank
#306 of 322
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-1.1
below Wisconsin avg (6.4)
Median household income
$62k
79% of Wisconsin median
Schools in this city
255
Education Snapshot
Milwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee's school landscape spans 254 schools across 16 districts, enrolling roughly 102,759 students — one of the largest urban education systems in Wisconsin. The 170 elementary schools anchor a level mix that also includes 50 high schools and 39 charter schools, giving families a broader choice portfolio than most mid-size Wisconsin cities. The composite rating picture is notably challenging: across 250 scored schools, Milwaukee averages 5.4/10, a full point below the Wisconsin state average of 6.4/10. That performance gap correlates with a significant income disparity — the city's median household income of $56,229 runs 28% below the state median of $77,986 — and only 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Families researching Milwaukee schools should weigh individual school ratings carefully, as the city's averages mask meaningful variation across its 16 districts and between its traditional public, charter, and combined programs.
Milwaukee School District runs 88% of Milwaukee's public schools
Milwaukee touches 16 districts, but Milwaukee School District is the one most addresses actually attend.
Milwaukee School District accounts for 156 of 178 public schools (88%). The other 15 districts hold the remaining 22.
Among 170 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 2.8 to 9.6 — the spread is inside Milwaukee, not a citywide average.
39 of the 178 public schools are charters (22%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- Milwaukee School District156 public · 88%
- Seeds of Health Inc3 public · 2%
- Carmen High School of Science and Technology Inc2 public · 1%
- Fox Point J2 School District2 public · 1%
- Rocketship Education Wisconsin Inc2 public · 1%
About Schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee's public school landscape spans 176 ranked schools, giving families a wide range of options across elementary, middle, and high school levels. The citywide average sits at 5.2 out of 10, which reflects the genuine performance spread parents should expect when comparing schools. That average masks real variation — from high-performing outliers to schools well below the midpoint — so drilling into individual school scores matters more than relying on city-wide impressions.
Strong options exist but require active searching. Only 14 schools, about 8% of ranked public schools, score 7 or higher out of 10. Bayside Middle leads the city at 9.3, the highest score among ranked public schools. Bruce Guadalupe follows at the elementary level with a 9.1, and Carmen Middle School South rounds out the top middle school options at 8.8. At the high school level, Escuela Verde and Reagan College Preparatory High both score 8.3, making them the standout choices for families planning ahead for secondary education. These five schools represent the top tier in a city where competition for strong placements is real.
Charter and choice schools appear prominently among the top performers. Bruce Guadalupe and Carmen Middle School South are charter schools, and Escuela Verde operates as a project-based, environmentally focused school. Reagan College Preparatory High carries a college-prep focus through its name and curriculum structure. Parents should verify enrollment processes early — Milwaukee's school choice landscape means top schools often have application windows, lotteries, or residency considerations that vary by school type.
Practically speaking, parents researching Milwaukee should filter first by schools scoring 7 or above, then cross-reference location, grade range, and enrollment eligibility. With fewer than one in ten ranked schools clearing that threshold, starting the search early gives families the best shot at securing a seat in a high-performing program. School scores reflect tested academic performance, so pairing scores with a school visit and current enrollment data from the district gives the clearest picture before making a decision.
Elementary Schools
170 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 481 students · Pre-K–4th | 9.2 |
| 2 | 239 students · Pre-K–8th | 8.3 |
| 3 | 1,410 students · Pre-K–8th | 7.9 |
| 4 | 484 students · Pre-K–8th | 7.8 |
| 5 | 217 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.7 |
| 6 | 459 students · Pre-K–8th | 7.4 |
| 7 | 414 students · Pre-K–8th | 7.2 |
| 8 | 142 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.1 |
| 9 | 477 students · Pre-K–8th | 7.0 |
| 10 | 509 students · Pre-K–8th | 7.0 |
Show all 170 elementary schools in Milwaukee
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
12 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 341 students · 5th–8th | 9.6 |
| 2 | 180 students · 6th–8th | 7.6 |
| 3 | 106 students · 6th–8th | 7.1 |
| 4 | 210 students · 6th–8th | 6.6 |
| 5 | 206 students · 6th–8th | 6.2 |
| 6 | 225 students · 6th–8th | 5.7 |
| 7 | 308 students · 6th–8th | 4.9 |
| 8 | 552 students · 6th–8th | 4.1 |
| 9 | 368 students · 6th–8th | 3.5 |
| 10 | 416 students · 6th–8th | 3.0 |
Show all 12 middle schools in Milwaukee
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
High Schools
53 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,349 students · 9th–12th | 7.6 |
| 2 | 102 students · 9th–12th | 7.0 |
| 3 | 35 students · 6th–12th | 6.9 |
| 4 | 44 students · 9th–12th | 6.9 |
| 5 | 255 students · 9th–12th | 6.4 |
| 6 | 78 students · 9th–12th | 6.4 |
| 7 | 48 students · 9th–12th | 6.3 |
| 8 | 88 students · 9th–12th | 6.2 |
| 9 | 120 students · 9th–12th | 6.0 |
| 10 | 389 students · 9th–12th | 6.0 |
Show all 53 high schools in Milwaukee
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
24 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,894 students · Pre-K–12th | 7.1 | ||
| 2 | 46 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 6.8 | ||
| 3 | 1,211 students · 3rd–12th | 6.3 | ||
| 4 | 107 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 6.0 | ||
| 5 | 860 students · Pre-K–12th | 6.0 | ||
| 6 | 1,226 students · Pre-K–12th | 4.3 | ||
| 7 | 1,404 students · Pre-K–12th | 4.2 | ||
| 8 | 378 students · Pre-K–12th | 4.0 | ||
| 9 | 431 students · Pre-K–12th | 2.9 | ||
Private Schools15 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | Salam SchoolPrivate 985 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
Show all 24 other schools in Milwaukee
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin · 259 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 28 ZIP codes
Median Income
$61,873
Median Home Value
$209,300
Median Rent
$1,094/mo
Population
785,860
College Educated
34%
Homeownership
45%
Avg Commute
22 min
Poverty Rate
19.9%
Community Profile
Milwaukee has a median household income of $61,873. It is an area where 34% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $209,300, with a median rent of $1,094/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.9%. The average commute for residents is 22 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- Wisconsin
- Elementary
- 170
- Middle
- 12
- High
- 53
- Other
- 24
Resources
School Districts (16)
Downtown Montessori Academy Inc
1 school · 239 students
Central City Cyberschool of Milwaukee Inc
1 school · 378 students
Milwaukee Science Education Consortium Inc
1 school · 1,404 students
Darrell L Hines Academy Inc
1 school · 172 students
Milwaukee Scholars Charter School Inc
1 school · 769 students
Dr Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy Inc
1 school · 312 students
Milwaukee Math and Science Academy Inc
1 school · 244 students
Trans Center for Youth Inc
1 school · 120 students
Seeds of Health Inc
3 schools · 1,259 students
Carmen High School of Science and Technology Inc
2 schools · 423 students
United Community Center Inc
2 schools · 1,590 students
Pathways High Inc
1 school · 171 students
Rocketship Education Wisconsin Inc
2 schools · 629 students
Woodlands School Inc
2 schools · 568 students
Fox Point J2 School District
2 schools · 822 students
Milwaukee School District
156 schools · 66,864 students
Other Major Cities in Wisconsin
Top metros statewide by school count.
Featured Rankings
See our in-depth rankings with interactive maps, score breakdowns, and school spotlights.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
How many schools are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee has 259 schools, including 178 public and 81 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Milwaukee is 5.3 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
The top-ranked school in Milwaukee on MySchoolScout is Bayside Middle with a composite score of 9.6/10.
What is the best elementary school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
The top-ranked elementary school in Milwaukee on MySchoolScout is Stormonth Elementary with a composite score of 9.2/10.
What is the best middle school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
The top-ranked middle school in Milwaukee on MySchoolScout is Bayside Middle with a composite score of 9.6/10.
What is the best high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
The top-ranked high school in Milwaukee on MySchoolScout is Reagan College Preparatory High with a composite score of 7.6/10.
How many school districts serve Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee is served by 16 school districts: Downtown Montessori Academy Inc, Central City Cyberschool of Milwaukee Inc, Milwaukee Science Education Consortium Inc, Darrell L Hines Academy Inc, Milwaukee Scholars Charter School Inc, Dr Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy Inc, Milwaukee Math and Science Academy Inc, Trans Center for Youth Inc, Seeds of Health Inc, Carmen High School of Science and Technology Inc, United Community Center Inc, Pathways High Inc, Rocketship Education Wisconsin Inc, Woodlands School Inc, Fox Point J2 School District, Milwaukee School District.
What is the education level in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
According to Census data, 34% of adults in Milwaukee have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
The median household income in Milwaukee is approximately $61,873 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Yes, Milwaukee has 81 private schools alongside 178 public schools. The top-rated private school is Milwaukee Montessori School with a score of 9.4/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Milwaukee is 19.2:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Wisconsin Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.