Dane County Schools & Education
Dane County, Wisconsin
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,161
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,113
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
State School Rank
#56
of 72 counties (1 = best)
Explore Dane County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Dane County, Wisconsin
A Powerhouse of Education in Dane
As a major educational hub, Dane County manages 169 public schools and 18 districts for 77,798 students. The vast infrastructure includes 84 elementary schools, 36 middle schools, and 34 high schools. This scale allows for specialized programming, including 13 alternative schools and 15 'other' category institutions.
State-Leading Spending and Solid Outcomes
Dane County spends $8,161 per pupil, exceeding the state average to support its large student body. The county maintains an 89.0% graduation rate, which remains higher than the national average of 87.0%. While the school score of 55.5 is slightly under the state average, it reflects a massive, complex system serving diverse populations.
The Madison Metropolitan Giant
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the county's cornerstone, overseeing 54 schools and 25,237 students. Dane County also features a high concentration of charter schools, with 16 institutions making up 9.5% of the total landscape. Sun Prairie and Middleton-Cross Plains districts also play major roles, together serving over 15,000 students.
From Urban Centers to Growing Suburbs
Dane County offers the most diverse locale mix in the state, with 69 suburban and 57 city schools. Middleton High is the county’s largest school with 2,309 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 469. This variety means families can choose between bustling urban campuses and modern suburban facilities.
Discover Your Place in a Top School Hub
Dane County provides unparalleled variety in school size, location, and specialized charter options. Whether you are looking for a high-energy city school or a top-rated suburban district, this county has a home for every preference. Start your journey in one of Wisconsin’s most academically vibrant regions today.
School Overview
Total Schools
169
in Dane County
Total Enrollment
77,798
students
School Districts
18
districts
Charter Schools
16
9% of total
School Type Breakdown
18 School Districts in Dane County
Madison Metropolitan School District
Sun Prairie Area School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Verona Area School District
McFarland School District
Waunakee Community School District
De Forest Area School District
Monona Grove School District
Stoughton Area School District
Mount Horeb Area School District
169 Public Schools in Dane County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middleton High | Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District | 9–12 | High | 2,309 |
| West High | Madison Metropolitan School District | 9–12 | High | 2,147 |
| Vel Phillips Memorial High | Madison Metropolitan School District | 9–12 | High | 2,025 |
| Verona Area High | Verona Area School District | 9–12 | High | 1,802 |
| East High | Madison Metropolitan School District | 9–12 | High | 1,649 |
| LaFollette High | Madison Metropolitan School District | 9–12 | High | 1,482 |
| Wisconsin Virtual Academy K-8 (WIVA) | McFarland School District | KG–8 | Charter | 1,365 |
| Waunakee High | Waunakee Community School District | 9–12 | High | 1,327 |
| Sun Prairie West High | Sun Prairie Area School District | 9–12 | High | 1,294 |
| Sun Prairie East High | Sun Prairie Area School District | 9–12 | High | 1,274 |
| Wisconsin Virtual Academy High (WIVA) | McFarland School District | 9–12 | Charter | 1,270 |
| Oregon High | Oregon School District | 9–12 | High | 1,269 |
| Kromrey Middle | Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District | 5–8 | Middle | 1,191 |
| De Forest High | De Forest Area School District | 9–12 | High | 1,099 |
| Monona Grove High | Monona Grove School District | 9–12 | High | 1,083 |
| Glacier Creek Middle | Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District | 5–8 | Middle | 935 |
| Harvest Intermediate School | De Forest Area School District | 4–6 | Middle | 914 |
| Stoughton High | Stoughton Area School District | 9–12 | High | 875 |
| Mount Horeb High | Mount Horeb Area School District | 9–12 | High | 793 |
| McFarland High | McFarland School District | 9–12 | High | 777 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,161
State avg $8,113
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Dane County, Wisconsin — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Dane County, Wisconsin?
As a major educational hub, Dane County manages 169 public schools and 18 districts for 77,798 students. The vast infrastructure includes 84 elementary schools, 36 middle schools, and 34 high schools. This scale allows for specialized programming, including 13 alternative schools and 15 'other' category institutions.
How do schools in Dane County perform academically?
Dane County spends $8,161 per pupil, exceeding the state average to support its large student body. The county maintains an 89.0% graduation rate, which remains higher than the national average of 87.0%. While the school score of 55.5 is slightly under the state average, it reflects a massive, complex system serving diverse populations.
What are the major school districts in Dane County, Wisconsin?
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the county's cornerstone, overseeing 54 schools and 25,237 students. Dane County also features a high concentration of charter schools, with 16 institutions making up 9.5% of the total landscape. Sun Prairie and Middleton-Cross Plains districts also play major roles, together serving over 15,000 students.
What is the school experience like in Dane County?
Dane County offers the most diverse locale mix in the state, with 69 suburban and 57 city schools. Middleton High is the county’s largest school with 2,309 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 469. This variety means families can choose between bustling urban campuses and modern suburban facilities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Dane County, Wisconsin?
Dane County provides unparalleled variety in school size, location, and specialized charter options. Whether you are looking for a high-energy city school or a top-rated suburban district, this county has a home for every preference. Start your journey in one of Wisconsin’s most academically vibrant regions today.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.