- Appleton Public Montessori — 1.2 mi · Grades PK–6 · 149 students
- North High — 2.0 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,635 students
- Fox Cities Leadership Academy — 2.0 mi · Grades 9–12 · 78 students
- Classical School — 2.9 mi · Grades K–8 · 487 students
- Ferber Elementary — 2.9 mi · Grades PK–5 · 499 students
- Wisconsin Connections Academy — 2.9 mi · Grades PK–12 · 743 students
- Einstein Middle — 3.1 mi · Grades 6–8 · 851 students
- Appleton Community 4K — 3.5 mi · Grades PK–PK · 672 students
| Metric | Appleton Area School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 15,270 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 38 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,116/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 14% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
Zip code 54913 is split between districts by area. Residents of this zip live in different school districts: about 70% in Appleton Area School District, about 18% in Freedom Area School District, about 9% in Hortonville School District. The page is headed by the district most residents live in; check your exact address with the district.
| GRADES | DISTRICT | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K–12 All grades (70% of area) | Appleton Area School District 15,270 students · 38 schools | 4/10 |
| Pre-K–12 All grades (18% of area) | Freedom Area School District 1,554 students · 3 schools | 8/10 |
| Pre-K–12 All grades (9% of area) | Hortonville School District 4,258 students · 8 schools | 9/10 |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton Area School District (this district) | 4/10 | 38th | 15,270 |
| Little Chute Area School District | 7/10 | 68th | 1,582 |
| Kimberly Area School District | 10/10 | 93rd | 5,132 |
| Hortonville School District | 9/10 | 83rd | 4,258 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 426 rated districts in WI → 38th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Wisconsin DPI Forward Exam, grades 3–8 Meeting/Advanced, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Appleton Area School District
Appleton Area School District serves zip code 54913, covering Appleton, 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 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Appleton Area 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.
Appleton Area 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 54913
Children in zip code 54913 are assigned to Appleton Area 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 54913, 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 Appleton Area School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. 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 Appleton
For families considering a purchase in the Appleton area, district assignment matters financially. Because Appleton Area School District serves zip code 54913, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 54913. 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 Appleton Area 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 54913.
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 Appleton Area School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 54913 data.