The top reported proficiency rate is 93% in Social studies. The lowest is 78% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Templeton Middle
Templeton Middle School serves seventh and eighth graders in the Hamilton School District, located in the suburban village of Sussex. The school enrolls a substantial student body for a two-year middle school, with enrollment split nearly evenly between the two grade levels. The student population is predominantly white, with a modest share of Asian students and smaller representations of Hispanic, Black, and multiracial students. A relatively small portion of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on students with individualized education programs and English learners were not reported, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about special education and language support services.
On the Wisconsin Forward Exam, Templeton Middle School turns in strong results across the board. Proficiency rates in seventh-grade math, eighth-grade math, seventh-grade English language arts, and eighth-grade science all sit north of three-quarters of students scoring at or above the proficient level. Eighth-grade English language arts posts an even higher proficiency rate. Social studies in eighth grade is a clear standout, with a very large majority of students reaching proficiency. These numbers place the school’s overall proficiency index in the top quarter of districts in Waukesha County, which is a notably high-performing county. The school appears to be delivering academic outcomes that would appeal to families seeking a solid, above-average academic foundation for the middle school years.
Because Templeton Middle only covers grades seven and eight, there is no graduation rate to report. The school’s academic picture is built entirely on the state assessments taken at those grade levels.
Sussex itself is a car-dependent suburban village roughly a 30-minute drive northwest of Milwaukee. It has a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and apartments, with a high homeownership rate. The housing market in the area reflects this desirability, with home values at a substantial level. The local economy is anchored by the headquarters of Quad/Graphics, a major printing and logistics company, and the village draws a large number of commuters, including many from Milwaukee County. The village has been growing steadily in population and land area, adding households and annexing land over recent decades. For a family moving to the area, this growth context suggests a community that is both established and still expanding.
The Hamilton School District recently secured voter approval for a referendum to exceed state revenue limits for operational expenses over a three-year period. This means the district had identified a need to supplement its normal state funding to maintain programs and operations. For a parent, this signals that the district has been proactive in going to the community to support its budget, which can affect class offerings and building-level resources through the life of that referendum.
The school does not appear to be a charter or magnet school, and Title I status was not reported. Given the student composition and the relatively low share of students from low-income households, the school is likely not a Title I school, but that would need to be confirmed. The community’s civic life includes a public library, a civic center, a network of parks and trails, and the Bugline Trail, a paved rail trail that passes through the village. Families who value outdoor recreation and a suburban setting with access to employment hubs will find that context hospitable. For those focused squarely on middle school academics, Templeton Middle offers consistently high proficiency rates across multiple subjects and grade levels, making it a strong option within its region.
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