For the 2025 school year, there are 76 public preschools serving 27,483 students in Dane County, WI.
The top ranked public preschools in Dane County, WI are Shorewood Hills Elementary School, Elm Lawn Elementary School and Northside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dane County, WI public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Wisconsin public pre school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Dane County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Wisconsin public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Wisconsin public preschool average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Preschools in Dane County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shorewood Hills Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
1105 Shorewood Blvd
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-1200
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-1200
Gr: PK-5 | 382 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Elm Lawn Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6701 Woodgate Rd
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9070
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9070
Gr: PK-4 | 336 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
3620 High Rd
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9130
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9130
Gr: PK-4 | 316 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Pope Farm Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
816 Schewe Rd
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 826-7700
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 826-7700
Gr: PK-4 | 403 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sunset Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
8686 Airport Rd
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9300
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9300
Gr: PK-4 | 298 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Arboretum Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1350 Arboretum Dr
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-1800
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-1800
Gr: PK-4 | 427 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Prairie View Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
300 Soden Dr
Oregon, WI 53575
(608) 835-4200
Oregon, WI 53575
(608) 835-4200
Gr: PK-4 | 326 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #88.
West Middleton Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
7627 W Mineral Point Rd
Verona, WI 53593
(608) 829-9360
Verona, WI 53593
(608) 829-9360
Gr: PK-4 | 338 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #99.
Winnequah School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
800 Greenway Rd
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 221-7677
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 221-7677
Gr: PK-5 | 642 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #1010.
Eastside Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
661 Elizabeth Ln
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7400
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7400
Gr: PK-5 | 417 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #1111.
Horizon Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
625 N Heatherstone Dr
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7900
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7900
Gr: PK-5 | 357 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #1212.
Waunakee Prairie Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
700 N Madison St
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-2200
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-2200
Gr: PK-4 | 524 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1313.
Token Springs Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1435 N Thompson Rd
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-6500
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-6500
Gr: PK-5 | 456 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1414.
Netherwood Knoll Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
276 Soden Dr
Oregon, WI 53575
(608) 835-4100
Oregon, WI 53575
(608) 835-4100
Gr: PK-4 | 407 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #1515.
Park Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1209 Park St
Cross Plains, WI 53528
(608) 829-9250
Cross Plains, WI 53528
(608) 829-9250
Gr: PK-4 | 250 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1616.
Eagle Point Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
206 N Johnson St
Deforest, WI 53532
(608) 842-6200
Deforest, WI 53532
(608) 842-6200
Gr: PK-3 | 363 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1717.
Royal Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2215 Pennsylvania Ave
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7200
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7200
Gr: PK-5 | 422 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1818.
Forest Edge Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4848 Brassica Rd
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 835-4600
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 835-4600
Gr: PK-6 | 401 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #1919.
Waunakee Heritage Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
501 South St
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-2030
Waunakee, WI 53597
(608) 849-2030
Gr: PK-4 | 575 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #2020.
Olson Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
801 Redan Dr
Verona, WI 53593
(608) 442-2600
Verona, WI 53593
(608) 442-2600
Gr: PK-5 | 452 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #2121.
Belleville Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
101 S Grant St
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 835-6120
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 835-6120
Gr: PK-6 | 533 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #2222.
Deerfield Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
340 W Quarry St
Deerfield, WI 53531
(608) 764-5442
Deerfield, WI 53531
(608) 764-5442
Gr: PK-6 | 431 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5930 Old Sauk Rd
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-1120
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-1120
Gr: PK-5 | 287 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #23 - 2423. - 24.
Stephens Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
120 S Rosa Rd
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-1900
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 204-1900
Gr: PK-5 | 482 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #2525.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
401 Maple Ave
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-6600
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-6600
Gr: PK-5 | 335 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #26 - 2726. - 27.
Elvehjem Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5106 Academy Dr
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 204-1400
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 204-1400
Gr: PK-5 | 403 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #26 - 2726. - 27.
Thoreau Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3870 Nakoma Rd
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 204-6940
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 204-6940
Gr: PK-5 | 398 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Meadow View Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
200 N Grand Ave
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-6624
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-6624
Gr: PK-5 | 417 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Sauk Trail Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2205 Branch St
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9190
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9190
Gr: PK-4 | 393 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #3030.
Cesar Chavez Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3502 Maple Grove Dr
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 442-2000
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 442-2000
Gr: PK-5 | 652 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #31 - 3231. - 32.
Cambridge Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
802 W Water St
Cambridge, WI 53523
(608) 423-9727
Cambridge, WI 53523
(608) 423-9727
Gr: PK-5 | 419 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #31 - 3231. - 32.
Muir Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6602 Inner Dr
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 663-8170
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 663-8170
Gr: PK-5 | 418 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #3333.
Emerson Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2421 E Johnson St
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-2000
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 204-2000
Gr: PK-5 | 317 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #3434.
Huegel Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2601 Prairie Rd
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 204-3100
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 204-3100
Gr: PK-5 | 422 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #3535.
Creekside Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1251 O'keeffe Ave
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7700
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 834-7700
Gr: PK-5 | 362 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Show 41 more public schools in Dane County, WI (out of 76 total schools)
Loading...
Dane County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Accelerated Learning Academy High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
15 S Brearly St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 663-1907
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 663-1907
Gr: 9-10 | 42 students Minority enrollment: 43%
237 W Pearl St
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 424-3337
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 424-3337
Gr: PK-1 | 165 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
6009 Johnson St
Mc Farland, WI 53558
(608) 838-3146
Mc Farland, WI 53558
(608) 838-3146
Gr: PK-K | 188 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Dane County Transition School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
2326 S Park St
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 834-8253
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 834-8253
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Minority enrollment: 11%
Deerfield Charter High School (Closed 2010)
Charter School
300 Simonson Blvd
Deerfield, WI 53531
(608) 764-5431
Deerfield, WI 53531
(608) 764-5431
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Diploma Completion High School (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
545 W Dayton St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 663-1907
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 663-1907
Gr: 11-12 | 42 students Minority enrollment: 74%
400 N Main St
Verona, WI 53593
(608) 845-4550
Verona, WI 53593
(608) 845-4550
Gr: 9-12 | 6 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
The Fifth Dimension High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
Po Box 76
Marshall, WI 53559
(608) 655-1310
Marshall, WI 53559
(608) 655-1310
Gr: 11-12 | 9 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Marshall Charter (Closed 2023)
Charter School
623 Madison St
Marshall, WI 53559
(608) 655-1310
Marshall, WI 53559
(608) 655-1310
Gr: 10-12 | 9 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
902 Nichols Rd
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 221-7670
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 221-7670
Gr: PK-2 | 247 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
314 Anne St
Mazomanie, WI 53560
(608) 767-2737
Mazomanie, WI 53560
(608) 767-2737
Gr: 3-5 | 156 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Middleton Alternative High School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
2429 Clark St
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9640
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 829-9640
Gr: 9-12 | 125 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Milestone Democratic School (Closed 2024)
Charter School
2758 Dairy Dr
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 205-8110
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 205-8110
Gr: 6-12 | 84 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Monona Grove Alternative High School (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
5104 Gordon Ave
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 223-1895
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 223-1895
Gr: 10-12
4649 Willow St
Morrisonville, WI 53571
(608) 846-6542
Morrisonville, WI 53571
(608) 846-6542
Gr: 1-3 | 30 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Sapar Program High School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
1501 Jenifer St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-4235
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-4235
Gr: 7-12 | 11 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
4709 Dale-curtin Dr
Mc Farland, WI 53558
(608) 838-9482
Mc Farland, WI 53558
(608) 838-9482
Gr: K-12 | 2,021 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 48:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Work & Learning High School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
545 West Dayton St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-4235
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 204-4235
Gr: 11-12 | 101 students Minority enrollment: 75%
900 W Wilson St
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 877-5301
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 877-5301
Gr: PK-4 | 352 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Dane County, WI?
The top ranked public preschools in Dane County, WI include Shorewood Hills Elementary School, Elm Lawn Elementary School and Northside Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Dane County?
76 public preschools are located in Dane County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dane County?
Dane County public preschools minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Wisconsin public preschools average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public preschools in Dane County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Dane County include: Netherwood Knoll Elementary School vs. Prairie View Elementary School, Prairie View Elementary School vs. Netherwood Knoll Elementary School, Verona Area K4 vs. Olson Elementary School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
