Milwaukee County Schools & Education
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
School Score
41/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
78.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
78.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,594
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,113
School Score
41/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
State School Rank
#70
of 72 counties (1 = best)
Explore Milwaukee County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
A Vast Network of Urban and Suburban Schools
Milwaukee County maintains a massive educational infrastructure of 281 public schools serving 123,255 students across 34 districts. The landscape includes 178 elementary schools, 28 middle schools, and 62 high schools to support its large population. This diverse network represents the highest concentration of schools in the state.
Evaluating Investment and Educational Outcomes
The county spends $8,594 per pupil, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of $8,113 but well below the national average of $13,000. While the graduation rate of 78.5% trails the state's 91.8% average, the county's school score of 50.9 remains in line with the national median. These figures reflect the unique challenges and resource needs of a large urban center.
Major Districts and Diverse Learning Options
Milwaukee School District is the region's largest, overseeing 156 schools and 67,500 students. Charter schools are a significant part of the ecosystem, with 45 institutions representing 16% of all public schools. Other major districts include West Allis-West Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, serving roughly 7,000 students each.
Sizable Schools in Vibrant Urban Settings
Most students attend school in city or suburban locales, where the average school size is 440 students. Oak Creek High is the county's largest school with 2,168 students, while the Hmong American Peace Academy serves 1,828 students as a major charter option. This environment offers students a high-energy, populous educational experience.
Finding a Home Near Milwaukee Schools
Families can choose between large city districts and high-performing suburban schools when looking for a home in the Milwaukee area. The wide variety of charter and traditional options makes school quality a vital factor in any local home search. Explore the diverse neighborhoods to find the right educational fit for your family.
School Overview
Total Schools
281
in Milwaukee County
Total Enrollment
123,255
students
School Districts
34
districts
Charter Schools
45
16% of total
School Type Breakdown
34 School Districts in Milwaukee County
Milwaukee School District
West Allis-West Milwaukee School District
Wauwatosa School District
Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District
Franklin Public School District
Greenfield School District
Whitefish Bay School District
South Milwaukee School District
Greendale School District
Whitnall School District
281 Public Schools in Milwaukee County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Creek High | Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District | 9–12 | High | 2,168 |
| HAPA-Hmong American Peace Academy K3-12 | Milwaukee School District | PK–12 | Charter | 1,828 |
| Franklin High | Franklin Public School District | 9–12 | High | 1,571 |
| Hamilton High | Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 1,439 |
| Obama School of Career and Technical Education | Milwaukee School District | PK–12 | Other | 1,402 |
| Milwaukee Academy of Science | Milwaukee Science Education Consortium Inc. | PK–12 | Charter | 1,401 |
| Reagan College Preparatory High | Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 1,343 |
| King International | Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 1,283 |
| Nathan Hale High | West Allis-West Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 1,261 |
| Riverside High | Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 1,229 |
| Golda Meir School | Milwaukee School District | 3–12 | Other | 1,174 |
| Greenfield High | Greenfield School District | 9–12 | High | 1,157 |
| Nicolet High | Nicolet Union High School School District | 9–12 | High | 1,089 |
| Forest Park Middle | Franklin Public School District | 6–8 | Middle | 1,084 |
| East High | Wauwatosa School District | 9–12 | High | 1,067 |
| West High | Wauwatosa School District | 9–12 | High | 1,050 |
| Central High | West Allis-West Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 1,007 |
| Milwaukee High School of the Arts | Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 989 |
| South Milwaukee High | South Milwaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 988 |
| Milwaukee School of Languages | Milwaukee School District | 6–12 | High | 985 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,594
State avg $8,113
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee County maintains a massive educational infrastructure of 281 public schools serving 123,255 students across 34 districts. The landscape includes 178 elementary schools, 28 middle schools, and 62 high schools to support its large population. This diverse network represents the highest concentration of schools in the state.
How do schools in Milwaukee County perform academically?
The county spends $8,594 per pupil, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of $8,113 but well below the national average of $13,000. While the graduation rate of 78.5% trails the state's 91.8% average, the county's school score of 50.9 remains in line with the national median. These figures reflect the unique challenges and resource needs of a large urban center.
What are the major school districts in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?
Milwaukee School District is the region's largest, overseeing 156 schools and 67,500 students. Charter schools are a significant part of the ecosystem, with 45 institutions representing 16% of all public schools. Other major districts include West Allis-West Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, serving roughly 7,000 students each.
What is the school experience like in Milwaukee County?
Most students attend school in city or suburban locales, where the average school size is 440 students. Oak Creek High is the county's largest school with 2,168 students, while the Hmong American Peace Academy serves 1,828 students as a major charter option. This environment offers students a high-energy, populous educational experience.
How can I find homes near good schools in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?
Families can choose between large city districts and high-performing suburban schools when looking for a home in the Milwaukee area. The wide variety of charter and traditional options makes school quality a vital factor in any local home search. Explore the diverse neighborhoods to find the right educational fit for your family.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.