Waukesha County Schools & Education
Waukesha County, Wisconsin
School Score
72/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
95.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
95.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,548
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,113
School Score
72/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
State School Rank
#19
of 72 counties (1 = best)
Explore Waukesha County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Waukesha County, Wisconsin
A massive and diverse educational powerhouse
Waukesha County manages an expansive system of 112 public schools across 23 districts, educating over 61,000 students. The infrastructure is comprehensive, featuring 61 elementary schools, 25 high schools, and specialized alternative and special education facilities. It is one of the most significant educational hubs in the state of Wisconsin.
Elite outcomes with highly efficient spending
The county matches the state's top tier with a 95.4% graduation rate, well above the 87% national benchmark. Despite its size, the county keeps spending efficient at $7,548 per pupil, which is lower than the Wisconsin average of $8,113. Its composite school score of 57.6 reflects consistently high performance across its many districts.
Waukesha and Elmbrook lead the way
The Waukesha School District is the largest entity, overseeing 27 schools and nearly 12,000 students. Elmbrook follows with over 7,700 students, while the Arrowhead UHS district hosts the county's largest single school with 2,086 students. Sixteen charter schools provide diverse learning options, representing about 14% of total schools.
Suburban variety and large-scale opportunities
Most students attend one of the 64 suburban or 27 city-based schools, where the average enrollment is 546 students. Campus sizes vary wildly, from intimate rural schools to massive high schools like Muskego and Oconomowoc, which both exceed 1,600 students. This variety ensures that families can find an environment that fits their child's specific needs.
Join a community that excels in education
Waukesha County is synonymous with educational excellence in Wisconsin, boasting graduation rates that lead the nation. Moving here provides access to specialized districts and some of the largest, best-resourced high schools in the Midwest. It is an ideal destination for families seeking long-term academic success and strong property values.
School Overview
Total Schools
112
in Waukesha County
Total Enrollment
61,152
students
School Districts
23
districts
Charter Schools
16
14% of total
School Type Breakdown
23 School Districts in Waukesha County
Waukesha School District
Elmbrook School District
Hamilton School District
Oconomowoc Area School District
Mukwonago School District
Muskego-Norway School District
New Berlin School District
Menomonee Falls School District
Kettle Moraine School District
Pewaukee School District
112 Public Schools in Waukesha County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrowhead High | Arrowhead UHS School District | 9–12 | High | 2,086 |
| Muskego High | Muskego-Norway School District | 9–12 | High | 1,686 |
| Oconomowoc High | Oconomowoc Area School District | 9–12 | High | 1,662 |
| Mukwonago High | Mukwonago School District | 9–12 | High | 1,620 |
| Hamilton High | Hamilton School District | 9–12 | High | 1,562 |
| Brookfield East High | Elmbrook School District | 9–12 | High | 1,362 |
| Menomonee Falls High | Menomonee Falls School District | 9–12 | High | 1,285 |
| West High | Waukesha School District | 9–12 | High | 1,194 |
| Brookfield Central High | Elmbrook School District | 9–12 | High | 1,192 |
| New Berlin West Middle/High | New Berlin School District | 7–12 | High | 1,047 |
| Eisenhower Middle/High | New Berlin School District | 7–12 | High | 1,029 |
| North High | Waukesha School District | 9–12 | High | 1,016 |
| Bay Lane Elementary | Muskego-Norway School District | PK–4 | Primary | 919 |
| South High | Waukesha School District | 9–12 | High | 890 |
| Pewaukee High | Pewaukee School District | 9–12 | High | 882 |
| Burleigh Elementary | Elmbrook School District | PK–5 | Primary | 879 |
| Kettle Moraine High | Kettle Moraine School District | 9–12 | High | 878 |
| Pilgrim Park Middle | Elmbrook School District | 6–8 | Middle | 860 |
| North Middle | Menomonee Falls School District | 6–8 | Middle | 842 |
| Swanson Elementary | Elmbrook School District | PK–5 | Primary | 823 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,548
State avg $8,113
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Waukesha County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Waukesha County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Waukesha County, Wisconsin — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Waukesha County, Wisconsin?
Waukesha County manages an expansive system of 112 public schools across 23 districts, educating over 61,000 students. The infrastructure is comprehensive, featuring 61 elementary schools, 25 high schools, and specialized alternative and special education facilities. It is one of the most significant educational hubs in the state of Wisconsin.
How do schools in Waukesha County perform academically?
The county matches the state's top tier with a 95.4% graduation rate, well above the 87% national benchmark. Despite its size, the county keeps spending efficient at $7,548 per pupil, which is lower than the Wisconsin average of $8,113. Its composite school score of 57.6 reflects consistently high performance across its many districts.
What are the major school districts in Waukesha County, Wisconsin?
The Waukesha School District is the largest entity, overseeing 27 schools and nearly 12,000 students. Elmbrook follows with over 7,700 students, while the Arrowhead UHS district hosts the county's largest single school with 2,086 students. Sixteen charter schools provide diverse learning options, representing about 14% of total schools.
What is the school experience like in Waukesha County?
Most students attend one of the 64 suburban or 27 city-based schools, where the average enrollment is 546 students. Campus sizes vary wildly, from intimate rural schools to massive high schools like Muskego and Oconomowoc, which both exceed 1,600 students. This variety ensures that families can find an environment that fits their child's specific needs.
How can I find homes near good schools in Waukesha County, Wisconsin?
Waukesha County is synonymous with educational excellence in Wisconsin, boasting graduation rates that lead the nation. Moving here provides access to specialized districts and some of the largest, best-resourced high schools in the Midwest. It is an ideal destination for families seeking long-term academic success and strong property values.
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.