K-12 Education

The Madison Region prides itself on the breadth and depth of our public and private K-12 education resources. With students who consistently perform above state and national averages, school districts across the region are recognized for their strong curriculum and attention to students. In 2007, Forbes Magazine ranked the Madison Region the second best place in the country to educate a child.

In 2009-2010, 80.7% of Madison Region third graders met or exceeded third grade reading standards, compared to the Wisconsin state figure of 79.2% reading at third grade proficiency. Many educators view third grade as a critical school year for student reading, since it marks the transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

In the Madison Region, K-12 mathematics proficiency is on the rise. Five of the eight counties tested above 80% proficiency in 2009, with three counties showing a 3% or greater improvement from 2005 to 2009. With job growth occurring in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, a strong mathematics foundation is important for next generation workers.

The region continues to boast a strong high school graduation rate, with 91.5% of 12th graders graduating in the 2007-2008 school year.

Sources: 2010 State of the Madison Region Report and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction