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Best Wisconsin high schools for athletes? According to one study, these are top 25
TL;DR
A recent study identifies the top 25 high schools in Wisconsin for athletes in 2026. The state has a rich history of producing notable athletes, including NFL stars and Olympians.
Key points
- Wisconsin has a history of producing notable athletes.
- The study ranks the top 25 high schools for athletes in 2026.
- Famous athletes include the Watt Brothers and Joe Thomas.
Wisconsin athletics have been in the national spotlight for decades.
Hailing from one of the nation’s northernmost territories, the state has produced such athletes as the Watt Brothers, NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, and Olympian runner Suzy Favor Hamilton.
Legends like that and several more paved the way for today’s modern athletes, who are just now paving their own way in one of the state’s standout high schools.
With that in mind, which high schools in Wisconsin are considered the best for athletes in 2026?
According to a study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Rice Lake High School
Total number of sports: 23
24. Notre Dame de la Baie Academy (Green Bay)
Total number of sports: 19
23. Slinger High School
Total number of sports: 21
22. Plymouth High School
Total number of sports: 22
21. Amherst High School
Total number of sports: 18
20. Xavier Catholic Schools (Appleton)
Total number of sports: 26
19. St. Mary's Springs Academy (Fond du Lac)
Total number of sports: 17
18. Franklin High School
Total number of sports: 22
17. Wisconsin Lutheran High School (Milwaukee)
Total number of sports: 27
16. Brookfield Central High School
Total number of sports: 23
15. Verona Area High School
Total number of sports: 27
14. Brookfield East High School
Total number of sports: 22
13. Sun Prairie East High School
Total number of sports: 23
12. Whitefish Bay High School
Total number of sports: 23
11. Middleton High School
Total number of sports: 31
10. Pewaukee High School
Total number of sports: 22
9. Bay Port High School (Green Bay)
Total number of sports: 27
8. Muskego High School
Total number of sports: 28
7. Homestead High School (Mequon)
Total number of sports: 27
6. Kimberly High School
Total number of sports: 24
5. Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Total number of sports: 12
4. Waunakee Community High School
Total number of sports: 29
3. Catholic Memorial High School (Waukesha)
Total number of sports: 33
2. Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (Milwaukee)
Total number of sports: 16
1. Arrowhead High School (Hartland)
Total number of sports: 28
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wisconsin's best high schools for athletes in 2026 revealed
Q&A
What are the top high schools for athletes in Wisconsin for 2026?
The study lists the top 25 high schools in Wisconsin recognized for their athletic programs in 2026.
Who are some famous athletes from Wisconsin high schools?
Notable athletes from Wisconsin include the Watt Brothers, NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, and Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton.
Why are Wisconsin high schools considered strong for athletics?
Wisconsin high schools have a legacy of producing successful athletes, supported by strong athletic programs and facilities.
