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Very Good

#496 of 2,102 schools in WI

Top 24% in state

Vel Phillips Memorial High School

High School · Madison Metropolitan School District

201 S Gammon Rd, Madison, WI 53717

Enrollment

2,005

Student-Teacher

16.8:1

Score

7.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Madison

#16 of 53

public schools

Wisconsin high schools

#48 of 499

In district

#16 of 52

Madison Metropolitan School District

Equity

8.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Vel Phillips Memorial High School

Vel Phillips Memorial High School serves 2,005 students in grades 9-12 in Madison, Wisconsin, making it a substantial educational institution in this vibrant college city. With 119 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.8:1, providing reasonable class sizes for a large public high school. The school currently ranks #1757 out of 2112 Wisconsin high schools and holds a MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 out of 10, indicating significant room for academic growth.

While specific test score data isn't available, the school continues to focus on serving its diverse student body and working toward improved outcomes. Vel Phillips Memorial High School sits in an affluent area where the median household income reaches $95,098 and home values average $366,000. The surrounding ZIP code 53717 is notably well-educated, with 67% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, and maintains a low poverty rate of just 5.1%.

This demographic profile suggests a community with strong educational values and resources. Named after Vel Phillips, a pioneering civil rights leader and the first African American to serve on the Madison Common Council, the school carries forward a legacy of progress and inclusion. The school operates within Madison's dynamic urban environment, benefiting from the cultural and educational opportunities that come with being located in Wisconsin's capital city.

What Parents Should Know

Vel Phillips Memorial High School is a large school with 2,005 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.5Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+0.75 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendStable
Academics8.7Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency43%
Reading/ELA Proficiency54%
Overall Proficiency49%
Expected (poverty-adj.)39%
vs. Expected+9.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile79th
College Readiness9.6Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation36.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.0Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,181

Vel Phillips Memorial High School — Students at Vel Phillips Memorial High School score 48% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

37.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WI EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 44.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 51.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from WI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
45%
ELA
49%
2021*
Math
43%
ELA
54%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.5/10.

How Vel Phillips Memorial High School Compares

See how Vel Phillips Memorial High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.4/10
77th percentile in WI
Academic
8.7/10
8.7/10
Growth
5.5/10
Above average
Environment
5.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
37%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
119 teachers

Location

201 S Gammon Rd, Madison, WI 53717

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Vel Phillips Memorial High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST AMBROSE ACADEMY (rated 6.8/10, 1.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Middleton High (rated 6.5/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Middleton), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Clark Street Community School (rated 6.3/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Middleton), a more accessible option. For more schools in Madison, see our Madison schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School Madison 0.1 mi 6.6
Muir Elementary Madison 0.4 mi 7.4
MADINAH ACADEMY OF MADISON Madison 1.1 mi 8.5
ST AMBROSE ACADEMY Madison 1.0 mi 6.8
HIGH POINT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Madison 1.2 mi 7.3
Stephens Elementary Madison 1.1 mi 7.2
Crestwood Elementary Madison 1.3 mi 8.6
Elm Lawn Elementary Middleton 1.8 mi 7.0
Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School Madison 1.7 mi 7.5
MONTESSORI CHILDRENS HOUSE Madison 1.6 mi
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Madison 1.6 mi 7.4
Spring Harbor Middle Madison 1.9 mi 8.0
HICKORY HILL ACADEMY Madison 2.2 mi 8.6
HORIZON HIGH Madison 1.9 mi
Sauk Trail Elementary Middleton 2.5 mi 5.3
Middleton High Middleton 2.6 mi 6.5
Clark Street Community School Middleton 2.6 mi 6.3
KING'S KIDS ACADEMY Madison 2.4 mi
Orchard Ridge Elementary Madison 2.4 mi 7.8
Toki Middle Madison 2.4 mi 7.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 53717 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$96,245

Median Home Value

$404,600

Median Rent

$1,385/mo

Population

13,026

College Educated

66%

Homeownership

53.8%

Avg Commute

17.7 min

Poverty Rate

9.4%

Median Age

39.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Vel Phillips Memorial High School has a median household income of $96,245. It is a well-educated community where 66% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $404,600, with a median rent of $1,385/month. The local poverty rate of 9.4% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Homestead High Mequon, WI 7.5
Case High Racine, WI 7.3
Lincoln High Manitowoc, WI 7.2
Oak Creek High Oak Creek, WI 7.2
West High Madison, WI 7.2
Superior High Superior, WI 7.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Vel Phillips Memorial High School

What grades does Vel Phillips Memorial High School serve?

Vel Phillips Memorial High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Vel Phillips Memorial High School?

Vel Phillips Memorial High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,005 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Vel Phillips Memorial High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Vel Phillips Memorial High School is 16.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Vel Phillips Memorial High School rank in WI?

Vel Phillips Memorial High School is ranked #496 out of 2,102 schools in WI.

What is Vel Phillips Memorial High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Vel Phillips Memorial High School has a composite rating of 7.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Vel Phillips Memorial High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Vel Phillips Memorial High School has 44.0% math proficiency and 51.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Vel Phillips Memorial High School a charter school?

No, Vel Phillips Memorial High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Vel Phillips Memorial High School a Title I school?

No, Vel Phillips Memorial High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Vel Phillips Memorial High School?

37.2% of students at Vel Phillips Memorial High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
52 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
42 Some Transit
Bike Score
55 Bikeable
City Safety
High (2,124/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Madison). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,005
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
119
Free/Reduced Lunch
37.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Dane County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Madison Metropolitan School District
District Enrollment
25,247
Schools in District
54
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,411
District Rank
#16 of 52

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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