For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public high schools serving 9,287 students in Madison, WI.
The top-ranked public high schools in Madison, WI are West High School, Innovative High School and Metro School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Madison, WI public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Wisconsin public high school average of 29%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 37% statewide average). High schools in Madison have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Wisconsin public high schools.
Madison, WI public high school have a Graduation Rate of 87%, which is less than the Wisconsin average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Monona Grove High School, with 95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Wisconsin or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Wisconsin public high school average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public High Schools in Madison, WI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
West High School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
30 Ash St
Madison, WI 53726
(608) 204-4100
Madison, WI 53726
(608) 204-4100
Gr: 9-12 | 2,222 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #22.
Innovative High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1045 E Dayton St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-4220
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-4220
Gr: 9-12 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #33.
Metro School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
115 W Doty St, 7e
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 663-1634
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 663-1634
Gr: 4-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #44.
Vel Phillips Memorial High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
201 S Gammon Rd
Madison, WI 53717
(608) 663-5990
Madison, WI 53717
(608) 663-5990
Gr: 9-12 | 2,004 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Monona Grove High School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4400 Monona Dr
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 221-7666
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 221-7666
Gr: 9-12 | 1,170 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #66.
Isthmus Montessori Academy Public
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1802 Pankratz St
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 661-8200
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 661-8200
Gr: PK-12 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #77.
East High School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2222 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-1600
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-1600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,643 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #88.
Shabazz-city High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1601 N Sherman Ave
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-2440
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-2440
Gr: 9-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #99.
Monona Grove Liberal Arts
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5301 Monona Dr
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 316-1924
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 316-1924
Gr: 6-12 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1010.
Lafollette High School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
702 Pflaum Rd
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 204-3600
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 204-3600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,541 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1111.
Capital High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3802 Regent St
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-4220
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-4220
Gr: 9-12 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: n/an/a
Central Wisconsin Center
Alternative School
317 Knutson Dr
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 267-5150
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 267-5150
Gr: K-12 | 1 student
Rank: n/an/a
Mendota Mental Health Institution
Alternative School
301 Troy Dr
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 267-5150
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 267-5150
Gr: K-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Madison, WI?
The top-ranked public high schools in Madison, WI include West High School, Innovative High School and Metro School.
How many public high schools are located in Madison?
13 public high schools are located in Madison.
What is the racial composition of students in Madison?
Madison public high schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Wisconsin public high schools average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Madison are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Madison include: Central Wisconsin Center vs. Innovative High School, Monona Grove Liberal Arts vs. West High School, Vel Phillips Memorial High School vs. West High School
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