Школа в Мадисоне противостоит общегосударственному тренду и фиксирует рост числа учеников

MIDDLETON, Wis. — Wisconsin public schools are seeing fewer students, but one Madison-area district is going against that trend. The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District is seeing enrollment growth, particularly at the elementary level. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction reports the state has lost nearly 80,000 public school students over the last 16 years. For Dana Layne, the growth is easy to understand. Her family moved to the Madison area in 2020 and ultimately chose Middleton in part because of its schools. “Ultimately, the school district was the factor that was really the big one that draws to this area,” Layne said. Layne’s 6-year-old daughter was excited to return to school this fall — and her 3-year-old son is already looking ahead. “My 3 year old is already asking, ‘When can I go?’” Layne said. Middleton-Cross Plains Superintendent Dana Monogue said the district is seeing a noticeable increase in elementary enrollment this year. “It seems this year in particular, we’re seeing a nice uptick in our elementary enrollment,” Monogue said. Monogue said families are attracted to the district’s academic and programming options. “We are a destination district,” Monogue said. “We’re going to take care of kids no matter what kind of student we’re looking at, those who struggle to those who might be accelerated.” New housing developments are also contributing to the district’s growth. District leaders say several subdivisions are planned or already under construction. That could bring more families—and more students—to the area in the coming years. “We really do have something for every student,” Monogue said. The district says it is closely watching new housing developments and expects some schools could eventually need boundary changes because of the growth. ​COPYRIGHT 2026 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.