Middleton High School was recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council with a Pacesetter Award. This prestigious honor is part of the 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Pacesetter Awards, which recognize high-performing AP schools across the state.
Schools can earn an award at three levels, reflecting AP student participation rates and the percentage of students earning a score of three or higher on the exams. Middleton High School earned a Level 1 award, which indicates that 30% or more of all students participate in at least one AP exam, and 70% or more of those students earn scores of 3 or above on the exams.
Middleton High School is among 198 schools earning recognition for their high participation rates and high percentage of students who scored a 3 or more on their AP exam – an increase from the 151 schools recognized in 2023. Based on data from the 2023-24 school year, only 28 of the 198 schools recognized earned a Level 1 award.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, AP coursework benefits students in several ways. Students can take AP courses to challenge themselves through college-level work while still in high school. In addition, they can take course exams for opportunities to earn college-level credit or placement.
The Pacesetter Awards are unique to Wisconsin. They recognize a school’s level of AP participation and culture of excellence.
“We’re proud to be honored with a Level 1 Pacesetter Award,” said Middleton High School Principal Bobbie Reinhart. “It reflects our strong foundation of academic excellence as well as the commitment of our dedicated teachers, staff, students, and families to preparing students for success in college and beyond.”
The Pacesetter Award continues Middleton High School’s accolades. Earlier this school year, Middleton High School ranked first in Dane County and second in Wisconsin among public, non-charter schools for 2025 ACT composite scores. In addition, Middleton High School was recognized as the #1 high school in the Madison Metro Area in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools rankings. Finally, in the 2025 Niche rankings, Middleton High School was rated the #1 Best Public High School in the Madison Area, #3 Best Public High School in Wisconsin and the #2 Best College Prep Public High School in Wisconsin.