Vel Phillips Memorial High School or simply "VPM" is a public high school on the west side of Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It was built in 1966 and is part of the Madison Metropolitan School District. It is home to the MMSD Planetarium.
Serving 2,004 students in grades 9-12, Vel Phillips Memorial High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,004 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Btm 50% in WI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Vel Phillips Memorial High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
School Overview
Vel Phillips Memorial High School's student population of 2,004 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 127 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,004 students
Total Classroom Teachers
127 teachers
Year Founded
1966
Colors
Maroon and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Vel Phillips Memorial High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Vel Phillips Memorial High School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#943 out of 1962 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
Asian
9%
4%
Hispanic
26%
14%
Black
15%
9%
White
41%
66%
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Spartans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vel Phillips Memorial High School's ranking?
Vel Phillips Memorial High School is ranked #943 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are Vel Phillips Memorial High School often compared to?
Vel Phillips Memorial High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West High School, East High School, Middleton High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Vel Phillips Memorial High School?
The graduation rate of Vel Phillips Memorial High School is 87%, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 90%.
How many students attend Vel Phillips Memorial High School?
2,004 students attend Vel Phillips Memorial High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Vel Phillips Memorial High School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 9% of students are Asian, and 9% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Vel Phillips Memorial High School?
Vel Phillips Memorial High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Vel Phillips Memorial High School offer ?
Vel Phillips Memorial High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Vel Phillips Memorial High School part of?
Vel Phillips Memorial High School is part of Madison Metropolitan School District.
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