The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District is proud to announce that Middleton High School has been recognized as the #1 school in the Madison Metro Area and the 8th best school in Wisconsin in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools rankings.
“This ranking reflects the strong commitment and support of our tremendous teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Middleton High School Principal Bobbie Reinhart. “We continually strive for excellence in academics, arts, athletics, and career and technical education. Earning national recognition reinforces that we’re on the right path as we work to continue building on our school’s tradition of excellence.”
The District’s commitment to excellence as well as its strong student support and community partnerships is reflected in additional rankings. MCPASD has been recognized by Niche as one of the highest-rated school districts in Wisconsin for five consecutive years. In addition, Middleton High School won four team state championships in the 2025-2026 school year – Boys Swim & Dive, Girls Swim & Dive, Boys Golf, and Boys Volleyball – as well as an individual state title in Boys Wrestling.
An indicator of the District’s strength as an employer includes being honored for two consecutive years with a Wisconsin State Journal Top Workplaces Award. MCPASD was the first school district to earn the honor in 2025 and received it again in 2026.
“Receiving the U.S. News & World Report recognition as we prepare to start a new school year gives us great momentum,” Reinhart said. “We look forward to welcoming students for a new year of learning and growth and to engaging students in a school environment where they feel empowered to evolve into the best version of themselves.”
Visit U.S. News & World Report’s website for more details.