Niche’s latest ranking of “Best College Prep Public High Schools in Wisconsin” highlights Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy at an average SAT score of 1,490, followed by Reagan College Preparatory High School (1,450) and Brookfield Central (1,410). The
On the surface, the message is about college preparation. Underneath, it comes down to one number—and how it’s being used.
In Wisconsin. Niche’s latest college prep ranking puts Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy at the top among public high schools based on the average SAT scores it lists. In Niche’s 2026 “Best College Prep Public High Schools in Wisconsin” ranking. Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy is listed with an average SAT score of 1. 490.
Niche’s ranking compares public schools using factors including graduation rates. AP enrollment. state test scores. and the quality of colleges students consider. The company also notes that SAT and ACT scores were removed from this year’s ranking formula to reflect a broader de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process. Even so. Niche still lists average SAT scores for many schools included in the ranking—turning those figures into the clearest. easiest headline for readers.
Right behind Waukesha Engineering is Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee, listed with an average SAT score of 1,450. Brookfield Central High School follows with an average SAT score of 1,410.
The list continues with Brookfield East High School in Brookfield at 1,390 and West High School in Madison at 1,390. Middleton High School in Middleton is listed with an average SAT score of 1,380, alongside Vel Phillips Memorial High School in Madison, also at 1,380.
Niche’s figures extend further across the state: Nicolet Union High School in Glendale is listed at 1,370, Homestead High School in Mequon at 1,360, and Shorewood High School in Shorewood at 1,360.
Menomonee Falls High School in Menomonee Falls is also listed at an average SAT score of 1,360, followed by Eisenhower Middle/High School in New Berlin at 1,340.
The ordering tells a straightforward story: among the schools Niche includes with listed SAT averages, Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy has the highest average SAT score at 1,490, with Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee at 1,450 and Brookfield Central High School at 1,410.
At the same time. Niche’s note that SAT and ACT scores were removed from the 2026 ranking formula is the key tension in the release. Test scores may not be part of the scoring method anymore. but they remain visible in the report—especially for schools included in the ranking where Niche still publishes average SAT figures.
Wisconsin public high schools Niche 2026 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Wisconsin average SAT scores Waukesha Engineering Preparatory Academy Reagan College Preparatory High School Brookfield Central High School