The 8 Best High Schools in Wisconsin

By Chris Kane
/// Published: November 5, 2023
/// Last Updated: December 12, 2023

Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and charming states in the entire country. Known (of course!) for cheese and bratwurst, it’s also a state with an amazing craft beer culture (the state brews more than Old Milwaukee!), big-time sports, world-class cities, and some of the most gorgeous scenery your eyes will ever see.

People move to Wisconsin for countless reasons. You often hear of the outdoor activities and vibrant lifestyle, but the state also boasts excellent schools and high standards for education. Wisconsin is known throughout the country as having a competent, well-managed approach to education that promotes elite institutions for scholars and athletes.

But what high schools are the best in the Badger State?

To make our list of the best schools in Wisconsin, we looked at both academics and athletics. Using rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Niche, we have chosen the eight best schools in the state of Wisconsin!

These schools are the best of the best from a state known for top-quality education.

The Best Wisconsin Public High Schools

High School of Health Sciences, Wales

U.S. News State Ranking: #1
Niche Overall Ranking: #7
Niche Athletics Grade: B+

U.S. News gives the High School of Health Sciences in Wales the top ranking for all high schools in the entire state. With a B+ in athletics, this makes it one of the elite institutions in a state full of world-class academics.

This high school is specifically dedicated to building healthcare professionals. It equips students for success in medical and wellness careers, which is one of the best areas for both income and job stability.

Athletics at this school are just as elite as the education. Teams are successful in numerous sports, especially football and girls’ basketball, both of which earned state championships in the 2022-23 school year.

Cedarburg High School, Cedarburg

U.S. News State Ranking: #3
Niche Overall Ranking: #11
Niche Athletics Grade: A-

Cedarburg, a small Milwaukee suburb, can boast one of the finest schools in the state. Niche gives Cedarburg High School high rankings in academics (A+), teachers (A), and college prep (A-). The school emphasizes meaningful learning experiences and building toward lifelong careers.

The school is a top location for athletes in the area. Athletics is considered an important extension of the classroom, and students are offered numerous sports opportunities that include football, wrestling, basketball, and baseball. From golf to track to hockey, athletes at this school have many options.

Whitefish Bay High School, Whitefish Bay

U.S. News State Ranking: #4
Niche Overall Ranking: #3
Niche Athletics Grade: #A

As the fourth-best high school according to U.S. News Rankings and Reviews and the third-best according to Niche, Whitefish Bay High School must be doing something right! Home of the Blue Dukes, Whitefish Bay HS has an exceptional staff backed by a supportive community. It also encourages family involvement and participation to foster an excellent learning environment.

The school demands that each sports team must be competitive while also possessing outstanding sportsmanship. With this focus, Whitefish Bay High School has educated exceptional athletes and sports leaders, including current Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell.

Eisenhower Middle/High School, New Berlin

U.S. News State Ranking: #5
Niche Overall Ranking: #15
Niche Athletics Grade: A

Serving grades seven through twelve, Eisenhower Middle/High School is a premier public school in southeast Wisconsin. Niche gives the school a high ranking in many categories, including resources and diversity (both B grades). Furthermore, it receives the best marks in academics and sports (both A grades).

Eisenhower has won numerous state championships. Most recently, the school has excelled in dance and cheerleading, with dance championships in 2020, ’21, and ’22.

Brookfield East High School, Brookfield

U.S. News State Ranking: #6
Niche Overall Ranking: #1
Niche Athletics Grade: A

With Niche’s #1 ranking for Wisconsin public schools and an A in athletics, Brookfield East High School is one of the best-regarded institutions in the state. It has even been recognized nationally, as the school was named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School.

The A in athletics is well-earned. The school has successful programs in many sports, including lacrosse, tennis, wrestling, hockey, swimming and diving, track, and golf.

Homestead High School, Mequon

U.S. News State Ranking: #7
Niche Overall Ranking: #8
Niche Athletics Grade: A+

A top-ten program in both rankings, Homestead High School has A grades in academics, teachers, and college preparation. College preparation is a particular focus for Homestead; graduates are sure to have the necessary skills to thrive at major universities and colleges.

Niche also gives Homestead an A- in clubs and activities and an A+ in sports. In addition to high-level academics, the school has raked in 45 team state championships, over 280 conference championships, and 113 state individual champions in various sports.

Arrowhead High School, Hartland

U.S. News State Ranking: #13
Niche Overall Ranking: #13
Niche Athletics Grade: #A+

Residents of Hartland, Wisconsin, know that Arrowhead High School is one of the state’s top destinations for students. Students in this public school are held to the highest standards and must work hard to earn their success. The Washington Post even named Arrowhead one of “America’s Most Challenging High Schools.”

While other institutions, though not many, have higher academic rankings, no high school can boast a better grade in athletics. The A+ from Niche in that category comes from success in various sports. The Arrowhead Warhawks participate in golf, football, cross country, basketball, baseball, and more. Athletes don’t sacrifice the classroom. 124 senior scholar athletes at this school earned an athletic letter and had a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

What Is the Best Private School in Wisconsin?

Brookfield Academy, Brookfield

U.S. News State Ranking: #N/A
Niche Overall Ranking: #1
Niche Athletics Grade: #A+

The top private school in Wisconsin is Brookfield Academy, which has an overall A+ grade from Niche. Most notable is the A+ ranking in college prep; it appears that Brookfield Academy graduates are well-prepared for the next step in their education.

Athletically, the school is second to none. The belief that athletic competition brings out the human spirit has propelled Brookfield sports teams to regional and conference championships in basketball, field hockey, golf, track, and more. Most importantly, the school emphasizes the “Five Stars” of intellect, character, heritage, truth, and individuality. The Five Stars are part of Brookfield Academy’s athletics and academics.