South High

Summary:

South High is a public high school located in Waukesha, Wisconsin, serving grades 9-12 with a student population of 890. It is part of the Waukesha School District, which is ranked 198 out of 428 districts in Wisconsin and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Despite its location in Waukesha, South High consistently ranks in the bottom quartile of Wisconsin high schools, with proficiency rates on state assessments significantly lower than the district and state averages across all subject areas. The school's four-year graduation rate has fluctuated between 85.4% and 91.7%, which is lower than the state average and the nearby high schools of North High (95.8%) and West High (97.3%). Additionally, South High has a significantly higher chronic absenteeism rate, ranging from 23.2% to 35.9% in recent years, compared to the nearby high schools.

The academic performance at South High also varies significantly across different student subgroups, with the school's performance for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds particularly concerning, ranking in the bottom 10% of Wisconsin high schools for this subgroup. The proximity of South High to several high-performing schools, such as West High and Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy, highlights the significant academic gap between South High and its higher-performing counterparts, suggesting that factors beyond just the school district may be contributing to the disparities in student outcomes.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 401 E Roberta Ave
       Waukesha, WI  53186-6637


(262) 970-3705

District: Waukesha School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
349th of 431 Wisconsin High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,294 Help


Feeder schools for South High:

Elementary:    Hillcrest Elementary

Student/teacher ratio:  11.7 Help
Number of students:  879

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
41.0%
White:
40.8%
African American:
11.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  52.8% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details South High ranks worse than 81% of high schools in Wisconsin. It also ranks 5th among 6 ranked high schools in the Waukesha School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 26.23. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at South High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
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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 Racial makeup is: Hispanic (41%), White (40.8%), African American (11.6%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 52.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South High is 11.7, which is the 4th best among 6 high schools in the Waukesha School District. (See more...)
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Compare South High employs 74.7 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at South High is $13,294, which is the 4th highest among 6 high schools in the Waukesha School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

South High:

SchoolDigger ranks South High 349th of 431 Wisconsin public high schools. (See South High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Waukesha School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Waukesha School District 198th of 428 Wisconsin school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for South High

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Rank History for all students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 50.30 186th 275 32.4%
2005 61.38 134th 287 53.3%
2006 41.17 233rd 292 20.2%
2007 53.66 195th 281 30.6%
2008 56.21 243rd 437 44.4%
2009 49.22 305th 438 30.4%
2010 52.71 299th 450 33.6%
2011 38.52 367th 445 17.5%
2012 29.06 397th 452 12.2%
2013 45.81 310th 457 32.2%
2014 32.04 389th 462 15.8%
2015 22.03 421st 466 9.7%
2016 23.20 352nd 408 13.7%
2017 19.82 364th 410 11.2%
2018 15.93 380th 410 7.3%
2019 14.77 374th 400 6.5%
2021 15.42 357th 390 8.5%
2022 15.62 366th 391 6.4%
2023 15.53 383rd 415 7.7%
2024 26.23 349th 431 19.0%
See the entire list of Wisconsin High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 14.83 65th 71 8.5%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.59 226th 255 11.4%
2021 17.50 212th 226 6.2%
2022 13.45 240th 250 4.0%
2024 15.11 300th 326 8.0%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 21.36 309th 355 13.0%
2019 14.65 321st 343 6.4%
2021 13.12 312th 332 6.0%
2022 17.82 313th 343 8.7%
2023 27.21 263rd 329 20.1%
2024 37.90 248th 353 29.7%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.58 28th 40 30.0%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.19 364th 373 2.4%
2019 12.78 339th 354 4.2%
2021 15.53 312th 334 6.6%
2022 13.52 330th 347 4.9%
2023 8.19 349th 359 2.8%
2024 11.61 344th 365 5.8%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 57.49 16th 44 63.6%
2022 60.36 22nd 48 54.2%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 17.42 68th 76 10.5%
2022 13.92 80th 86 7.0%
2024 38.90 74th 119 37.8%
See the entire list of Best Wisconsin High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at South High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WI State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 18.49 231st 261 11.5%
2019 26.27 208th 266 21.8%
2021 35.86 169th 266 36.5%
2022 28.00 211th 269 21.6%
2023 20.25 231st 271 14.8%
2024 39.11 193rd 300 35.7%
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.

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



Data source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

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Enrollment information for South High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1482 3 28 119 6 n/a n/a 0 1638
1989 1419 3 25 125 10 n/a n/a 0 1582
1990 1379 8 21 110 9 n/a n/a 0 1527
1991 1368 8 29 103 15 n/a n/a 0 1523
1992 1418 5 21 93 2 n/a n/a 0 1539
1993 1394 8 40 131 15 n/a n/a 0 1588
1994 1259 9 31 144 17 n/a n/a 0 1460
1995 1075 16 21 159 16 n/a n/a 0 1287
1996 1075 16 21 159 16 n/a n/a 0 1287
1997 1106 20 31 175 12 n/a n/a 0 1344
1998 1106 25 27 193 9 n/a n/a 0 1360
1999 1134 28 27 213 11 n/a n/a 0 1413
2000 1135 31 28 195 14 n/a n/a 0 1403
2001 1096 32 22 206 15 n/a n/a 0 1371
2002 1130 37 26 216 8 n/a n/a 0 1417
2003 1130 37 26 216 8 n/a n/a 0 1417
2004 1125 45 30 231 9 n/a n/a 0 1440
2005 1139 54 37 245 8 n/a n/a 0 1483
2006 1109 58 42 267 8 n/a n/a 0 1484
2007 1027 48 37 235 6 n/a n/a 0 1353
2008 871 55 32 243 9 n/a n/a 0 1210
2009 920 69 51 261 6 n/a n/a 0 1307
2010 795 70 39 258 8 n/a n/a 0 1170
2011 722 75 37 298 6 0 7 0 1145
2012 733 77 34 277 2 0 13 0 1136
2013 684 87 31 282 3 0 24 0 1111
2014 650 77 26 278 3 0 19 0 1053
2015 608 86 34 302 5 0 28 0 1063
2016 585 85 35 331 6 0 31 0 1073
2017 515 90 30 336 3 0 32 0 1006
2018 479 76 25 329 3 0 34 0 946
2019 432 93 25 353 2 0 40 0 945
2020 402 95 27 337 1 4 31 0 897
2021 423 95 19 356 0 5 32 0 930
2022 421 99 24 350 2 6 30 0 932
2023 385 96 16 354 2 4 33 0 890
2024 359 102 12 360 2 1 40 3 879

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 South High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1638 97.1 16.8 0
1989 1582 97.1 16.2 n/a
1990 1527 94.9 16.0 0
1991 1523 94.6 16.0 0
1992 1539 104.1 14.7 n/a
1993 1588 97.9 16.2 0
1994 1460 87.5 16.7 0
1995 1287 82.1 15.7 8.6
1996 1287 82.1 15.7 8.6
1997 1344 79.3 16.9 8.7
1998 1360 80.1 17.0 8.6
1999 1413 88.2 16.0 12.7
2000 1403 86.3 16.3 11.6
2001 1371 79.9 17.2 13.1
2002 1417 88.0 16.1 13.5
2003 1417 88.0 16.1 13.5
2004 1440 86.4 16.7 17.7
2005 1483 88.4 16.8 n/a
2006 1484 90.1 16.5 n/a
2007 1353 81.7 16.6 21.5
2008 1210 76.2 15.9 24
2009 1307 78.3 16.7 23.3
2010 1170 74.0 15.8 33.8
2011 1145 77.4 14.7 42.3
2012 1136 70.9 16.0 39.4
2013 1111 76.5 14.5 44.3
2014 1053 82.7 12.7 46.5
2015 1063 n/a n/a 47.1
2016 1073 76.0 14.1 49.7
2017 1006 76.2 13.1 45.7
2018 946 73.3 12.9 41.8
2019 945 76.9 12.2 48.8
2020 897 77.7 11.5 48.6
2021 930 75.0 12.3 53.5
2022 932 72.8 12.7 48.7
2023 890 73.0 12.1 50.9
2024 879 74.7 11.7 52.8

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 South High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1638 97.1 16.8 0
1989 1582 97.1 16.2 n/a
1990 1527 94.9 16.0 0
1991 1523 94.6 16.0 0
1992 1539 104.1 14.7 n/a
1993 1588 97.9 16.2 0
1994 1460 87.5 16.7 0
1995 1287 82.1 15.7 8.6
1996 1287 82.1 15.7 8.6
1997 1344 79.3 16.9 8.7
1998 1360 80.1 17.0 8.6
1999 1413 88.2 16.0 12.7
2000 1403 86.3 16.3 11.6
2001 1371 79.9 17.2 13.1
2002 1417 88.0 16.1 13.5
2003 1417 88.0 16.1 13.5
2004 1440 86.4 16.7 17.7
2005 1483 88.4 16.8 n/a
2006 1484 90.1 16.5 n/a
2007 1353 81.7 16.6 21.5
2008 1210 76.2 15.9 24
2009 1307 78.3 16.7 23.3
2010 1170 74.0 15.8 33.8
2011 1145 77.4 14.7 42.3
2012 1136 70.9 16.0 39.4
2013 1111 76.5 14.5 44.3
2014 1053 82.7 12.7 46.5
2015 1063 n/a n/a 47.1
2016 1073 76.0 14.1 49.7
2017 1006 76.2 13.1 45.7
2018 946 73.3 12.9 41.8
2019 945 76.9 12.2 48.8
2020 897 77.7 11.5 48.6
2021 930 75.0 12.3 53.5
2022 932 72.8 12.7 48.7
2023 890 73.0 12.1 50.9
2024 879 74.7 11.7 52.8

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 South High

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $241 (2.1%) $11,515 (98.0%) $11,755
2020 $273 (2.2%) $12,326 (97.8%) $12,599
2021 $323 (2.4%) $12,971 (97.6%) $13,294

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

Impact of COVID-19 on South 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 374th of 400 High schoolsRanks 383rd of 415 High schools
 1.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
10th Grade Social Studies (South High)25.639.6
 14%
   10th Grade Social Studies (Waukesha School District)39.847.5
 7.7%
   10th Grade Social Studies (Wisconsin)45.947.2
 1.3%
10th Grade English Language Arts (South High)26.223.7
 2.5%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Waukesha School District)43.345.3
 2%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Wisconsin)38.841.4
 2.6%
10th Grade Mathematics (South High)20.913.7
 7.2%
   10th Grade Mathematics (Waukesha School District)30.129.5
 0.7%
   10th Grade Mathematics (Wisconsin)30.829.4
 1.3%
10th Grade Science (South High)20.917.5
 3.5%
   10th Grade Science (Waukesha School District)35.233.7
 1.5%
   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 Students945890
 5.8%
African American9396
 3.2%
American Indian22
Asian2516
 36%
Hispanic353354
 0.3%
Pacific Islander04
White432385
 10.9%
Two or More Races4033
 17.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients48.8%50.9%
 2.1%


Schools Near South High









Frequently Asked Questions about South High

South High ranks in the bottom 19.0% of Wisconsin high schools.

South High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Hillcrest Elementary

In the 2023-24 school year, 879 students attended South High.

Students at South High are 41% Hispanic, 41% White, 12% African American, 5% Two or more races, 1% 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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