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LaFollette High

Summary:

LaFollette High is a public high school located in Madison, Wisconsin, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,482 students. It is part of the Madison Metropolitan School District, which is ranked 330 out of 428 school districts in Wisconsin and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

LaFollette High consistently ranks in the bottom half of Wisconsin high schools, with a ranking between 310-408 out of 400-466 schools over the past 10 years. The school's performance on standardized tests is significantly below the state and district averages, with only 21.36% of 10th-grade students proficient or better in ACT Mathematics, compared to 42.37% statewide and 40.95% in the district. LaFollette High has a four-year graduation rate that has improved from 83.8% in 2018-2019 to 89.0% in 2022-2023, but is still below the state and district averages. The school's dropout rate has fluctuated between 1.4% and 2.2% over the past five years, which is higher than the state and district averages. Additionally, LaFollette High has experienced a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, rising from 24.2% in 2019-2020 to 50.6% in 2022-2023, much higher than the state and district averages.

While East High and Capital High, other schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District, generally perform better academically, have higher graduation rates, and lower dropout and chronic absenteeism rates than LaFollette High, the school performs better than some virtual charter schools in the McFarland School District in terms of graduation rates and test scores. However, LaFollette High's struggles are particularly pronounced for certain student subgroups, such as minority and disadvantaged students, suggesting a need for targeted interventions and support.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 702 Pflaum Rd
       Madison, WI  53716-2167

(608) 204-3600

District: Madison Metropolitan School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
403rd of 431 Wisconsin High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,460 Help


Feeder schools for LaFollette High:

Elementary:    Dr Virginia Henderson Elementary School
    Elvehjem Elementary
    Kennedy Elementary
    Nuestro Mundo
    More...
Middle:    Sennett Middle
    Whitehorse Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  15.6 Help
Number of students:  1,482

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
32.1%
White:
29.1%
African American:
22.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  54.2% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details LaFollette High ranks worse than 93.5% of high schools in Wisconsin. It also ranks last among 5 ranked high schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 12.12. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at LaFollette High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at LaFollette High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (32.1%), White (29.1%), African American (22.3%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 54.2% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at LaFollette High is 15.6. 4 high schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare LaFollette High employs 94.4 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at LaFollette High is $14,460, which is the 3rd highest among 5 high schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

LaFollette High:

SchoolDigger ranks LaFollette High 403rd of 431 Wisconsin public high schools. (See LaFollette High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
White students:


Madison Metropolitan School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Madison Metropolitan School District 330th of 428 Wisconsin school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for LaFollette High.

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Rank History for LaFollette High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 31.80 239th 275 13.1%
2005 31.66 246th 287 14.3%
2006 34.80 246th 292 15.8%
2007 29.16 240th 281 14.6%
2008 11.95 410th 437 6.2%
2009 20.00 397th 438 9.4%
2010 25.98 403rd 450 10.4%
2011 19.46 410th 445 7.9%
2012 20.41 413th 452 8.6%
2013 24.40 408th 457 10.7%
2014 24.40 409th 462 11.5%
2015 26.58 408th 466 12.4%
2016 16.42 373rd 408 8.6%
2017 16.58 378th 410 7.8%
2018 19.73 367th 410 10.5%
2019 24.23 333rd 400 16.8%
2021 24.27 310th 390 20.5%
2022 16.24 360th 391 7.9%
2023 9.66 395th 415 4.8%
2024 12.12 403rd 431 6.5%
See the entire list of Wisconsin High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.38 35th 35 0.0%
2019 4.73 37th 37 0.0%
2021 20.81 32nd 37 13.5%
2022 13.64 38th 41 7.3%
2024 12.61 67th 71 5.6%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 52.36 2nd 2 0.0%
2024 29.17 5th 5 0.0%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 30.35 71st 95 25.3%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 15.10 237th 255 7.1%
2019 15.77 237th 251 5.6%
2022 14.39 237th 250 5.2%
2023 5.69 268th 271 1.1%
2024 7.91 314th 326 3.7%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 17.90 324th 355 8.7%
2019 19.01 309th 343 9.9%
2021 19.38 285th 332 14.2%
2022 9.55 328th 343 4.4%
2024 8.42 338th 353 4.2%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 41.24 21st 32 34.4%
2021 12.67 23rd 23 0.0%
2022 23.69 24th 29 17.2%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.51 336th 373 9.9%
2019 26.40 284th 354 19.8%
2021 25.34 267th 334 20.1%
2022 24.64 287th 347 17.3%
2023 10.71 344th 359 4.2%
2024 14.64 336th 365 7.9%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 18.99 19th 20 5.0%
2019 32.40 10th 18 44.4%
2022 26.99 15th 20 25.0%
2024 22.42 23rd 26 11.5%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 16.91 69th 76 9.2%
2019 20.84 75th 86 12.8%
2022 14.78 79th 86 8.1%
2023 11.59 93rd 97 4.1%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at LaFollette High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 54.54 98th 261 62.5%
2019 66.23 68th 266 74.4%
2021 75.29 48th 266 82.0%
2022 42.69 143rd 269 46.8%
2023 47.97 134th 271 50.6%
2024 59.28 109th 300 63.7%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

LaFollette High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
Help



Data source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.7)
67%

0%

0%

0%

33%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, October 14, 2021

Open Quote Absolutely horrible school. Can’t keep staff or principal. Fights all the time. No police to protect the students. District has forgotten about this school Close Quote



Enrollment information for LaFollette High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1572 91 14 14 8 n/a n/a 0 1699
1989 1468 82 19 18 11 n/a n/a 0 1598
1990 1350 114 15 13 2 n/a n/a 0 1494
1991 1262 138 11 15 4 n/a n/a 0 1430
1992 1256 144 14 20 4 n/a n/a 0 1438
1993 1183 166 11 23 4 n/a n/a 0 1387
1994 1214 144 14 26 4 n/a n/a 0 1402
1995 1197 168 24 36 9 n/a n/a 0 1434
1996 1197 168 24 36 9 n/a n/a 0 1434
1997 1217 157 27 48 7 n/a n/a 0 1456
1998 1229 143 37 36 9 n/a n/a 0 1454
1999 1205 164 50 44 7 n/a n/a 0 1470
2000 1179 168 51 56 10 n/a n/a 0 1464
2001 1220 202 60 60 10 n/a n/a 0 1552
2002 1214 195 82 110 14 n/a n/a 0 1615
2003 1214 195 82 110 14 n/a n/a 0 1615
2004 1213 229 86 115 16 n/a n/a 0 1659
2005 1204 279 93 165 13 n/a n/a 0 1754
2006 1166 303 105 160 9 n/a n/a 0 1743
2007 1069 374 100 183 11 n/a n/a 0 1737
2008 1034 401 101 191 16 n/a n/a 0 1743
2009 933 419 106 174 13 n/a n/a 0 1645
2010 875 415 102 194 15 n/a n/a 0 1601
2011 798 367 89 243 11 2 80 0 1590
2012 757 348 94 243 13 0 86 0 1541
2013 695 325 86 250 11 0 106 0 1473
2014 658 331 80 279 8 1 121 0 1478
2015 628 313 80 285 6 1 142 0 1455
2016 610 342 79 316 9 0 148 0 1504
2017 613 345 79 343 9 0 152 0 1541
2018 610 327 80 368 4 0 171 0 1560
2019 572 330 85 395 6 0 172 1 1561
2020 574 325 86 440 2 2 176 0 1605
2021 507 348 88 466 3 1 162 0 1575
2022 468 347 94 471 5 1 146 0 1532
2023 431 330 86 476 7 4 141 7 1482

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at LaFollette High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1699 112.5 15.1 15.4
1989 1598 111.3 14.3 4.6
1990 1494 105.5 14.1 6.3
1991 1430 106.2 13.4 18.6
1992 1438 112.0 12.8 15.9
1993 1387 101.5 13.7 20.5
1994 1402 99.0 14.2 20.4
1995 1434 100.7 14.2 21.8
1996 1434 100.7 14.2 21.8
1997 1456 107.0 13.6 22.5
1998 1454 108.0 13.5 21.9
1999 1470 102.3 14.4 27.7
2000 1464 102.7 14.3 28.3
2001 1552 104.3 14.9 29.4
2002 1615 107.0 15.1 17.5
2003 1615 107.0 15.1 17.5
2004 1659 103.4 16.0 23.6
2005 1754 110.3 15.9 n/a
2006 1743 117.7 14.8 n/a
2007 1737 108.0 16.1 35.9
2008 1743 107.3 16.2 36.5
2009 1645 100.1 16.4 44.4
2010 1601 101.8 15.7 48.1
2011 1590 104.3 15.2 50.8
2012 1541 103.3 14.9 51.9
2013 1473 102.7 14.3 53.8
2014 1478 105.9 13.9 54.1
2015 1455 n/a n/a 52.2
2016 1504 103.0 14.6 56.8
2017 1541 102.0 15.1 52
2018 1560 106.6 14.6 53.9
2019 1561 106.4 14.6 55.2
2020 1605 109.0 14.7 52.1
2021 1575 106.3 14.8 59.8
2022 1532 105.3 14.5 50.3
2023 1482 94.4 15.6 54.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio LaFollette High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1699 112.5 15.1 15.4
1989 1598 111.3 14.3 4.6
1990 1494 105.5 14.1 6.3
1991 1430 106.2 13.4 18.6
1992 1438 112.0 12.8 15.9
1993 1387 101.5 13.7 20.5
1994 1402 99.0 14.2 20.4
1995 1434 100.7 14.2 21.8
1996 1434 100.7 14.2 21.8
1997 1456 107.0 13.6 22.5
1998 1454 108.0 13.5 21.9
1999 1470 102.3 14.4 27.7
2000 1464 102.7 14.3 28.3
2001 1552 104.3 14.9 29.4
2002 1615 107.0 15.1 17.5
2003 1615 107.0 15.1 17.5
2004 1659 103.4 16.0 23.6
2005 1754 110.3 15.9 n/a
2006 1743 117.7 14.8 n/a
2007 1737 108.0 16.1 35.9
2008 1743 107.3 16.2 36.5
2009 1645 100.1 16.4 44.4
2010 1601 101.8 15.7 48.1
2011 1590 104.3 15.2 50.8
2012 1541 103.3 14.9 51.9
2013 1473 102.7 14.3 53.8
2014 1478 105.9 13.9 54.1
2015 1455 n/a n/a 52.2
2016 1504 103.0 14.6 56.8
2017 1541 102.0 15.1 52
2018 1560 106.6 14.6 53.9
2019 1561 106.4 14.6 55.2
2020 1605 109.0 14.7 52.1
2021 1575 106.3 14.8 59.8
2022 1532 105.3 14.5 50.3
2023 1482 94.4 15.6 54.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for LaFollette High

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $351 (2.4%) $14,568 (97.6%) $14,919
2020 $369 (2.5%) $14,162 (97.5%) $14,532
2021 $426 (2.9%) $14,035 (97.1%) $14,460

Data source: Wisconsin Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on LaFollette High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 333rd of 400 High schoolsRanks 395th of 415 High schools
 11.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
10th Grade Social Studies (LaFollette High)3623.7
 12.3%
   10th Grade Social Studies (Madison Metropolitan School District)52.847.2
 5.6%
   10th Grade Social Studies (Wisconsin)45.947.2
 1.3%
10th Grade English Language Arts (LaFollette High)29.821.5
 8.2%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Madison Metropolitan School District)45.140.5
 4.6%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Wisconsin)38.841.4
 2.6%
10th Grade Mathematics (LaFollette High)23.614.3
 9.2%
   10th Grade Mathematics (Madison Metropolitan School District)35.829.5
 6.3%
   10th Grade Mathematics (Wisconsin)30.829.4
 1.3%
10th Grade Science (LaFollette High)24.518.4
 6%
   10th Grade Science (Madison Metropolitan School District)37.135.5
 1.6%
   10th Grade Science (Wisconsin)32.731.7
 1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students15611482
 5.1%
African American330330
American Indian67
 16.7%
Asian8586
 1.2%
Hispanic395476
 20.5%
Pacific Islander04
White572431
 24.7%
Two or More Races172141
 18%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients55.2%54.2%
 1%

Schools Near LaFollette High








Frequently Asked Questions about LaFollette High

LaFollette High ranks in the bottom 6.5% of Wisconsin high schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,482 students attended LaFollette High.

LaFollette High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Dr Virginia Henderson Elementary School
Elementary : Elvehjem Elementary
Elementary : Kennedy Elementary
Elementary : Nuestro Mundo
Elementary : Schenk Elementary
Elementary : Southside Elementary School
Middle : Sennett Middle
Middle : Whitehorse Middle

Students at LaFollette High are 32% Hispanic, 29% White, 22% African American, 10% Two or more races, 6% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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