Waukesha South High School is one of three high schools located in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It was opened in 1957 as a southern campus to Waukesha High School, then in downtown Waukesha. The downtown campus is now Les Paul Middle School - Central Campus.
Serving 879 students in grades 9-12, South 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 15-19% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 33% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 879 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Btm 50% in WI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
South High School's student population of 879 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 75 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
879 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
Year Founded
1957
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Rankings
South 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 South High School is 0.65, 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
#1764 out of 1991 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
44%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
41%
14%
Black
12%
9%
White
41%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cardinal (blackie The Blackshirt)
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South High School's ranking?
South High School is ranked #1764 out of 1,991 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are South High School often compared to?
South High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North High School, West High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% WI state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
What is the graduation rate of South High School?
The graduation rate of South High School is 85%, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 90%.
How many students attend South High School?
879 students attend South High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of South High School students are Hispanic, 41% of students are White, 12% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of South High School?
South High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does South High School offer ?
South High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is South High School part of?
South High School is part of Waukesha School District.
School Reviews
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