The top reported proficiency rate is 82% in Social studies. The lowest is 63% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Northside Elementary
Northside Elementary in Middleton, Wisconsin, serves students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. Because it is an early-elementary school, there is no graduation rate to report, and the school does not have data on chronic absenteeism or discipline incidents. State testing results are available for the grades it serves, third and fourth graders, and they tell a clear story of strong academic performance.
On the Wisconsin Forward Exam, Northside’s third and fourth graders posted proficiency rates in English language arts that were comfortably above the district and state averages for those grades. Fourth graders also took science and social studies assessments, and in both subjects the share of students scoring proficient or advanced was solid. In mathematics, proficiency rates for third and fourth graders were more moderate, though they still positioned the school well relative to other elementary schools in Dane County. When you look at an overall proficiency index that averages results across all tested subjects and grades, Northside falls in the top quartile among districts in Dane County, a group of about two dozen districts. That is a strong showing for a school that serves a relatively early grade band.
The student body at Northside is predominantly white, with smaller shares of Asian students, Hispanic students, and students who identify as two or more races. Black students and American Indian or Alaska Native students each make up a very small portion of the enrollment. About a modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which is lower than the state average for elementary schools and signals a relatively higher-income community. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not reported in the available records, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports.
The school is part of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, which covers the city of Middleton, the village of Cross Plains, and some surrounding areas. Middleton itself is a suburb of Madison with a diversified economy that includes manufacturing, life sciences, corporate services, health care, and retail. Major employers include Thermo Fisher Scientific, Electronic Theatre Controls, and Spectrum Brands. The city has been growing steadily and has a median household income that is above the national median. Housing values in the area are high—well above the state median—and rents are also elevated, reflecting the demand in a prosperous suburban community with a short commute to Madison. The city has a compact downtown with restaurants, shops, and a historic train depot now used as a visitor center, along with miles of trails, parks, and conservancy land. It was the first city in Wisconsin to earn LEED gold certification, in 2023, signaling a citywide emphasis on sustainability.
The district website and recent public records did not show any major parent-relevant changes such as a recent referendum, curriculum overhaul, or boundary shift. That may simply mean stability, or it may mean those decisions were not captured in the search. A prospective family could check with the district office for any upcoming facility plans or program adjustments.
For a family choosing an elementary school, Northside offers a capable academic environment with a particular strength in reading and an overall proficiency profile that is among the better ones in Dane County. The peer group is relatively affluent and not highly diverse, which may be a draw or a limitation depending on a family’s priorities. The school’s early-elementary focus means students will move on to a district middle school after fourth grade, and the district has a reputation for strong secondary offerings, though the data here do not cover those years. The community context is a growing, economically robust Madison suburb with a high cost of housing. A family considering Northside will want to visit, ask about special education and English learner services, and get a feel for how the school fits their child’s particular needs.
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