For the 2024-25 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 2,703 students in Lafayette County, WI (there are 2 private schools, serving 59 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Lafayette County, WI are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
The top ranked public schools in Lafayette County, WI are Benton High School, Darlington Elementary Middle School and Black Hawk Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lafayette County, WI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Wisconsin public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 38% statewide average). Schools in Lafayette County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Wisconsin public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public school average of 33% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Lafayette County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Benton High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
41 Alma St
Benton, WI 53803
(608) 759-4002
Benton, WI 53803
(608) 759-4002
Grades: 9-12
| 65 students
Rank: #22.
Darlington Elementary Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
11630 Center Hill Rd
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4021
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4021
Grades: PK-8
| 620 students
Rank: #33.
Black Hawk Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
202 E Center St
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5444
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5444
Grades: PK-5
| 165 students
Rank: #44.
Argyle Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
14665 State Road 78
Argyle, WI 53504
(608) 543-3318
Argyle, WI 53504
(608) 543-3318
Grades: PK-5
| 153 students
Rank: #55.
Pecatonica High School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
704 Cross St
Blanchardville, WI 53516
(608) 523-4285
Blanchardville, WI 53516
(608) 523-4285
Grades: 6-12
| 207 students
Rank: #66.
Belmont Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
646 E Liberty St
Belmont, WI 53510
(608) 732-5581
Belmont, WI 53510
(608) 732-5581
Grades: PK-6
| 228 students
Rank: #77.
Benton Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
41 Alma St
Benton, WI 53803
(608) 759-4002
Benton, WI 53803
(608) 759-4002
Grades: PK-6
| 130 students
Rank: #88.
Benton Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
41 Alma St
Benton, WI 53803
(608) 759-4002
Benton, WI 53803
(608) 759-4002
Grades: 7-8
| 29 students
Rank: #99.
Darlington High School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
11838 Center Hill Rd
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4001
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4001
Grades: 9-12
| 280 students
Rank: #1010.
Shullsburg Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
444 N Judgement St
Shullsburg, WI 53586
(608) 965-4427
Shullsburg, WI 53586
(608) 965-4427
Grades: PK-5
| 133 students
Rank: #1111.
Shullsburg Junior High School
Magnet School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
444 N Judgement St
Shullsburg, WI 53586
(608) 965-4427
Shullsburg, WI 53586
(608) 965-4427
Grades: 6-8
| 79 students
Rank: #1212.
Shullsburg High School
Magnet School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
444 N Judgement St
Shullsburg, WI 53586
(608) 965-4427
Shullsburg, WI 53586
(608) 965-4427
Grades: 9-12
| 103 students
Rank: #1313.
Argyle Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
14665 State Road 78
Argyle, WI 53504
(608) 543-3318
Argyle, WI 53504
(608) 543-3318
Grades: 6-8
| 65 students
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Belmont High School
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
646 E Liberty St
Belmont, WI 53510
(608) 762-5131
Belmont, WI 53510
(608) 762-5131
Grades: 7-12
| 177 students
Rank: #14 - 1514. - 15.
Black Hawk Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
202 E Center St
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5371
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5371
Grades: 6-8
| 85 students
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Argyle High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
14665 State Road 78
Argyle, WI 53504
(608) 543-3318
Argyle, WI 53504
(608) 543-3318
Grades: 9-12
| 75 students
Rank: #16 - 1716. - 17.
Black Hawk High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
202 E Center St
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5371
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5371
Grades: 9-12
| 109 students
Lafayette County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Excel Charter School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
Po Box 303
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5444
South Wayne, WI 53587
(608) 439-5444
Grades: 7-12
| 11 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Lafayette County, WI?
The top ranked public schools in Lafayette County, WI include Benton High School, Darlington Elementary Middle School and Black Hawk Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Lafayette County?
17 public schools are located in Lafayette County.
What percentage of students in Lafayette County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Lafayette County are educated in public schools (compared to the WI state average of 85%).
What is the racial composition of students in Lafayette County?
Lafayette County public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Wisconsin public schools average of 33% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Lafayette County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Lafayette County include: Darlington High School vs. Black Hawk High School, Benton High School vs. Benton Elementary School, Black Hawk High School vs. Darlington High School
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.
