Best Public Schools in South Milwaukee, WI

The South Milwaukee School District in Wisconsin consists of 6 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. The district serves a diverse student population with a mix of racial backgrounds and a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch.

Among the standout schools in the district, E.W. Luther Elementary shines with the highest test scores across multiple subjects and grade levels, as well as the lowest chronic absenteeism rate. Lakeview Elementary also performs well, with the second-highest test scores and the lowest student-teacher ratio among the elementary schools. In contrast, South Milwaukee High faces challenges, with lower test scores compared to the state, but a relatively high graduation rate and low dropout rate.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance between the schools, with proficiency rates in 3rd grade math ranging from 27.27% at Blakewood Elementary to 79.17% at E.W. Luther Elementary. Additionally, the school with the highest spending per student, E.W. Luther Elementary, also has some of the best test scores and lowest chronic absenteeism, suggesting an inverse relationship between spending and outcomes. The South Milwaukee School District may need to focus more resources and attention on improving outcomes at the high school level, while also identifying and replicating the practices of the higher-performing elementary and middle schools to raise the overall quality of education in the district.