Madison East High School is one of four comprehensive four-year high schools in Madison, Wisconsin. It was established in 1922, making it the oldest public high school still operating in Madison. The school mascot is "Peppy Purgolder", an animal resembling a feline.
Serving 1,644 students in grades 9-12, East High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 33% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,644 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in WI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
East High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
East High School's student population of 1,644 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 109 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,644 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Year Founded
1922
School Rankings
East High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,991 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of East High School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1499 out of 1991 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
7%
4%
Hispanic
26%
14%
Black
21%
9%
White
35%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
86%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Purgolders
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East High School's ranking?
East High School is ranked #1499 out of 1,991 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are East High School often compared to?
East High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West High School, Lafollette High School, Vel Phillips Memorial High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% WI state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
What is the graduation rate of East High School?
The graduation rate of East High School is 86%, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 90%.
How many students attend East High School?
1,644 students attend East High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of East High School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 7% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of East High School?
East High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does East High School offer ?
East High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is East High School part of?
East High School is part of Madison Metropolitan School District.
In what neighborhood is East High School located?
East High School is located in the Emerson East neighborhood of Madison, WI. There are 1 other public schools located in Emerson East.
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