| Metric | Madison Metropolitan School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 25,237 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 54 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $19,030/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 426 rated districts in WI → 22nd percentile → 3/10.
Source: Wisconsin DPI Forward Exam, grades 3–8 Meeting/Advanced, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
- Van Hise Elementary — 0.6 mi · Grades K–5 · 396 students
- Hamilton Middle — 0.6 mi · Grades 6–8 · 790 students
- Spring Harbor Middle — 0.8 mi · Grades 6–8 · 269 students
- Shorewood Hills Elementary — 1.0 mi · Grades PK–5 · 368 students
- Crestwood Elementary — 1.1 mi · Grades PK–5 · 293 students
- Stephens Elementary — 1.1 mi · Grades PK–5 · 447 students
- Capital High — 1.1 mi · Grades 9–12 · 129 students
- Midvale Elementary — 1.3 mi · Grades PK–2 · 372 students
About Madison Metropolitan School District
Zip code 53705 in Madison, Wisconsin is served by Madison Metropolitan School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Madison Metropolitan School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Madison Metropolitan School District ranks among Wisconsin’s below average-rated school systems. 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.
Madison Metropolitan School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Wisconsin benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 53705
Children in zip code 53705 are assigned to Madison Metropolitan 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 53705, 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 Madison Metropolitan School District at (608)663-1879 or visit www.madison.k12.wi.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Madison
For families considering a purchase in the Madison area, district assignment matters financially. Because Madison Metropolitan School District serves zip code 53705, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 53705. 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 Madison Metropolitan 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 53705.
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 Madison Metropolitan School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 53705 data.