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| Metric | DeForest Area School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,147 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 7 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,800/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeForest Area School District (this district) | 8/10 | 73rd | 4,147 |
| Deerfield Community School District | 7/10 | 66th | 751 |
| Dodgeville School District | 5/10 | 44th | 1,068 |
| Darlington Community School District | 5/10 | 45th | 900 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 426 rated districts in WI → 73rd percentile → 8/10.
Source: Wisconsin DPI Forward Exam, grades 3–8 Meeting/Advanced, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About DeForest Area School District
DeForest Area School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 53532 in Deforest, Wisconsin. Serving students from Pre-K – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 53532. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Wisconsin spend approximately $13,800 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), near the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 6 schools, DeForest Area School District operates as a mid-sized district serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
DeForest Area School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 8/10, placing it in the above average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Wisconsin’s Forward Exam grades 3–8 assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Wisconsin is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
DeForest Area School District falls near the middle of Wisconsin on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 53532
Children in zip code 53532 are assigned to DeForest Area School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 53532, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact DeForest Area School District at (608)842-6500 or visit www.deforest.k12.wi.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Wisconsin districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Deforest
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because DeForest Area School District serves zip code 53532, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 53532. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Wisconsin, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support DeForest Area School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 53532.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with DeForest Area School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 53532 data.