Serving 403 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Thoreau Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 403 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in WI
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Thoreau Elementary serves the southwest part of Madison, WI, covering an area of approximately 3 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 1.6 miles to the edge of the attendance area, reaching up to 3.5 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thoreau Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Thoreau Elementary School's student population of 403 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
403 students
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Celebrating the diversity of our learning community in harmony with each other and the environment.
School Rankings
Thoreau Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Thoreau Elementary School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#567 out of 1962 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
26%
14%
Black
14%
9%
White
51%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.3%
24%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thoreau Elementary School's ranking?
Thoreau Elementary School is ranked #567 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are Thoreau Elementary School often compared to?
Thoreau Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Van Hise Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
How many students attend Thoreau Elementary School?
403 students attend Thoreau Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Thoreau Elementary School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thoreau Elementary School?
Thoreau Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Thoreau Elementary School offer ?
Thoreau Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Thoreau Elementary School part of?
Thoreau Elementary School is part of Madison Metropolitan School District.
In what neighborhood is Thoreau Elementary School located?
Thoreau Elementary School is located in the Crawford Marlborough Nakoma neighborhood of Madison, WI. There are 1 other public schools located in Crawford Marlborough Nakoma.
School Reviews
Review Thoreau Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
