West High School

I have two kids in West High School. My son is in chess club and my daughter is in cross-country. Neither of them could enjoy school more. There are over 2000 kids currently enrolled in this high school, so there are enough kids of each personality type that most everyone can find friends. For example, my son, who is on the autism spectrum, has never had a problem being bullied and is very happy with the level of social acceptance he finds. The teachers represent the whole range from good to bad, as well. The level of parent involvement - as well as the overall culture of this part of Madison - is great.
--Submitted by a parent

It's the highest achieving school in WI; over 7% of the senior class were national merit finalists. (33 semifinalists-the most in the state!) There were 3 perfect ACT scores this year. Overall, there is enormous drive to succeed amongst the students, with a good majority of them being 3.5 gpa and above. The pressure to do well, not just from parents and teachers, but from fellow students as well, is noticeably great. It was a family joke that hardly any of the seniors skipped all day on senior skip day- they didn't want to miss their important classes, even with two weeks of school left!
--Submitted by a student

I can't imagine a better school environment. The talent, diversity, and general culture of care and nurturing here are an example of what the world will be some day. All walks together striving for excellence. Public school kids going to Harvard, Yale, MIT, USC, Berkeley, Stanford and every school between.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school with great teachers. Diverse student body, high test scores, and amazing kids. Get the kids ready for UW-Madison easily.
--Submitted by a former student

This is an excellent school with a great reputation, great college placement, and strong academics, especially the Latin program. Unfortunately, it has been suffering of late from some budget cutbacks. Nonetheless, one of the best public schools you'll find ...
--Submitted by a parent

The academic programs in science, math and arts are excellent. Given the diverse student population the school is doing a great job teaching students to be well rounded adults. The H.S. always has has the most merit scholars of the district. The sports, Latin, science clubs are strong. Parents raise a good amount of money for the school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had three daughter graduate from Madison West. They were all outstanding student/athelets. They received a combined 6 High School All- American awards as both students and athelets. Their grades and ACT scores allowed them to look at most Major puplic and private colleges. They had swimming scholarships offers from many Divison I midmajor schools. They all received scholarships for their academics and sports involvement. Two of them received Swimming Scholarships at UW Milwaukee, a Division 1 college. Two have gone on to get Masters Degrees. The third is on track to graduate as a collegiate Academic All-American. She also holds 5 UMA Swimming Records. Their Madison West years were all made possible by one of the Nations finest puplic school systems.
--Submitted by Dave, a parent