- Project STAY-Supporting Teachers and Youth — 0.4 mi · Grades 9–12 · 114 students
- Milwaukee County Youth Education Center — 0.6 mi · Grades 6–12
- Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning — 0.8 mi · Grades PK–12 · 286 students
- Golda Meir School — 0.9 mi · Grades 3–12 · 1,192 students
- Lincoln Middle — 0.9 mi · Grades 6–8 · 309 students
- Bradley Technology High — 1.0 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,048 students
- Cass Street Elementary — 1.1 mi · Grades PK–8 · 312 students
- Roosevelt Middle — 1.1 mi · Grades 6–8 · 270 students
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| Metric | Milwaukee School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 67,500 | 3,544 | Much larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 156 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,815/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 18% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 426 rated districts in WI → 2nd percentile → 1/10.
Source: Wisconsin DPI Forward Exam, grades 3–8 Meeting/Advanced, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Milwaukee School District
Milwaukee School District serves zip code 53203, covering Milwaukee, Wisconsin with grades Pre-K – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Milwaukee School District 1 out of 10 — low-rated among Wisconsin public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Wisconsin’s Forward Exam grades 3–8 assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Wisconsin is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Milwaukee School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Wisconsin on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 53203
Children in zip code 53203 are assigned to Milwaukee School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 53203, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Milwaukee School District at (414)475-8002 or visit www.milwaukee.k12.wi.us. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Wisconsin districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Milwaukee
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Milwaukee School District serves zip code 53203, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 53203. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Wisconsin, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Milwaukee School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 53203.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Milwaukee School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 53203 data.