South Milwaukee Post Office · Photo: Freekee · Public domainSouth Milwaukee’s public schools score below 84% of Wisconsin districts on tests and graduation
22% of students in South Milwaukee’s public schools are proficient in math, below the Wisconsin average (39%). The grade covers the public school district serving South Milwaukee, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Wisconsin, not nationally.
From Wisconsin state tests taken in spring 2022, when 95% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
South Milwaukee’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 24% of tested students were proficient in reading and 22% in math, against 38% and 39% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
92% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 90% across Wisconsin. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $18,246 per student, against $16,459 across Wisconsin (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is South Milwaukee Middle, then South Milwaukee High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Guidance Academy (private) and Zion Evangelical Lutheran School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind South Milwaukee’s grade
C−: better than 16% of Wisconsin school districts, #337 of 362 Wisconsin towns. Graduation is above the Wisconsin average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve South Milwaukee, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee Middle
Grades 6–8 · 610 students · 13:1 students per teacher
7th grade in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee Middle
Grades 6–8 · 610 students · 13:1 students per teacher
8th grade in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee Middle
Grades 6–8 · 610 students · 13:1 students per teacher
9th grade in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee High
Grades 9–12 · 920 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee High
Grades 9–12 · 920 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee High
Grades 9–12 · 920 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee High
Grades 9–12 · 920 students · 14:1 students per teacher
South Milwaukee’s public schools are run by South Milwaukee School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
South Milwaukee vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Wisconsin towns that share South Milwaukee’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| South Milwaukee | C− | South Milwaukee |
| Oak Creek | B+ | Oak Creek-Franklin |
| Cudahy | D | Cudahy |
Every school in South Milwaukee
8 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Wisconsin’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about South Milwaukee’s schools
Are South Milwaukee’s schools good?
On Wisconsin’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools South Milwaukee children attend score below 84% of Wisconsin’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #337 of 362 Wisconsin towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 14%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is South Milwaukee in?
South Milwaukee School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 2,686 students in 6 schools (2024–25).
Where do South Milwaukee kids go to high school?
South Milwaukee High, with 920 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is South Milwaukee’s graduation rate?
92% of the class of 2023 in South Milwaukee School District graduated in four years, against 90% across Wisconsin.
How much does South Milwaukee spend per student?
$18,246 in South Milwaukee School District (FY2024), against $16,459 across Wisconsin. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in South Milwaukee?
Yes: Guidance Academy (religious, grades PK–12, 292 students) and Zion Evangelical Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 107 students).
Parents talk
What South Milwaukee families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near South Milwaukee → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Wisconsin. Stars are from neighbors.