Milwaukee

Milwaukee Public Schools serves 65,550 students across 156 schools in Wisconsin's largest city, with enrollment declining 5.2% from the prior year. The district operates 109 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 34 high schools with 4,034 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 16.2:1.

Academic performance measures substantially trail state averages. Math proficiency stands at 19.6% compared to the state average of 55.1%, while reading proficiency is 24.1% against 53.0% statewide. The graduation rate of 70.8% falls significantly below Wisconsin's 95.3% average. Chronic absenteeism is 47.5%, indicating a notable attendance challenge.

The student population reflects Milwaukee's demographics and economic conditions. Economically disadvantaged students comprise 80.8% of enrollment, with 17.5% English learners and 20.2% receiving special education services. Racial composition is 48.3% Black, 28.9% Hispanic, 9.3% Asian, and 8.7% White.

The district's total operating budget is $1,300.6 million with per-pupil spending of $9,767, exceeding the state average of $8,868. Revenue sources are distributed across federal funding (16.5%), state support (56.3%), and local contributions (27.2%). This spending level, combined with the district's high concentration of economically disadvantaged students and associated academic outcomes, reflects the resource intensity required to serve Milwaukee's urban student population.