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2020 Best Middle Schools in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best middle schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 41,922
Best Schools
41,922 results

  1. St. Mark's School of Texas

    • Private School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1-12
    • 59 reviews
    #1 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: Attending this school is the best thing i’ve ever done in my life. This school prepares you for college and life out in the real world. The teachers genuinely care and the community of St. Marks is extremely generous. The experience of learning at St. Mark’s is the best that money can buy. If you want you child to be successful, virtuous, and well rounded, send him to St. Mark’s. I will be forever grateful for this school and the 90 brothers that I gained from the moment that I stepped onto 10600 Preston Road. God Bless and Go Lions!
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 863 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Trinity School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 61 reviews
    #2 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Junior: An excellent education, especially with the upper school. Hands-on teachers, willing to help with anything. Great student body, and lots of wonderful extracurriculars. Facilities are top-notch, lots of space and natural light. Good performing arts program, as well as visual arts. Humanity classes are some of the best in the country. The only issue I have is with the math curriculum and how they use Problem-Based learning. Excellent and approachable college counselors. It is not a surprise that this is one of the best schools in the country.
    Read 61 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,001 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Horace Mann School

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • K-12
    • 129 reviews
    #3 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Parent: Horace Mann is a welcoming diverse community of families and high achieving students. From the moment we inquired about sending our oldest child to HM, the school embraced us and made us feel welcome. When we toured the new upper school campus, our jaws dropped. HM feels like the grounds of an Ivy league university, not a city day school. As our children have grown, they have developed into well rounded, intellectual curious people with truly deep personal relationships with friends from many cultures. Other schools in NYC talk the talk about diversity, but you can tell from the student body and faculty that HM walks the walk.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,694 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Collegiate School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 23 reviews
    #4 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Alum: I was a K-12 student at Collegiate. Overall my experience was amazing. Became incredibly close with all my friends and the education has served me well. Coming to college everyone fears for the seemingly more rigorous education; however, this was not the case at all. I found myself being at the top of my class in writing despite being an average/below average writer in high school. I've found that many parents worry about sending their kids to an all-boys school, but I would highly recommend it. First, students don't deal with all the drama that co-ed schools inherently deal with. Second, there are many many more all-girl schools in the interschool. I don't think anyone had a difficult time socializing with women or getting girlfriends. Even though I would definitely recommend Collegiate, it does have its fair share of issues.
    Read 23 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Lakeside School

    • Private School
    • Seattle, WA
    • 5-12
    • 94 reviews

    Sophomore: I'm currently finishing my fifth year at Lakeside, and I cannot emphasize enough how much I love it at this school. Driven, motivated, and kind students thrive in our tight-knit community. I feel so supported and cared for by the faculty and staff, and I've been given plenty of opportunities to contribute my voice towards the betterment of the school. I truly feel at home in this school, and I'm so grateful to the administration for all the hard work they put into cultivating a compassionate community. Yes, homework abounds, and yes, the students are quite competitive, but if you stay motivated and work hard you'll do just fine. As a student-athlete who will also be leading two clubs next year, I definitely have a jam-packed schedule, but as long as you can manage your time well, it's all doable! The skills I've learned and will continue to learn at Lakeside, alongside the fantastic academics, will serve me well in university and beyond.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 838 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Brearley School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 62 reviews
    #5 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Parent: My daughter began in Kindergarten and (still) loves it! She’s now in high school. It's a nurturing place for learning. The staff and faculty are incredibly supportive. They know each child. The curriculum is top-notch. There is a methodical approach to the curriculum that begins in the Lower School and continues in the Upper School. One example is in the writing program and how it evolved from Kindergarten, building on each girl’s capacity and capability, each year. Our daughter now produces papers for many courses that are well-written and well-argued! We feel that Brearley is our second home in the city. My daughter has life-long friends. Our family has also found families who will remain in our lives for a very long time.
    Read 62 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 720 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. The Pingry School

    • Private School
    • Basking Ridge, NJ
    • K-12
    • 94 reviews
    #6 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Middle School Student: As a student at the Pingry School, I have to say that it's an excellent school to be in. The food is great, the teachers are welcoming, and the classes are helpful on educational levels. The homework isn't heavy, and everyone there tries their best to keep their life goals in mind. I would totally recommend this school! Learning here has been the best experience of my life, and, there is inclusion in sports and activities. There are so much things that are amazing about this school.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,125 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Polytechnic School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • K-12
    • 100 reviews
    #7 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Junior: Polytechnic School, often referred to as just "Poly," excels in academics and shapes great leaders. Poly has the unique benefit of hosting three schools on two campuses which allows for collaboration across age groups. In the Upper School, the administration consistently works towards improving diversity through increasing student voices. The teachers are exceptionally well-qualified. Many of the educators are specialists in their fields which allows for in-depth lectures and a true passion for each subject being taught. While some criticize the high cost of attendance as elitist, a large percentage of Poly's endowment is dedicated towards financial aid, and most demonstrated need is fully awarded. Furthermore, the tuition allows for incredible recourses and facilities such as a state of the art woodshop, 14,578 square-foot swimming pool, and newly renovated Garland Theatre.
    Read 100 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 859 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. The Nueva School

    • Private School
    • Hillsborough, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 39 reviews
    #8 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Sophomore: Transferring to the Nueva Upper School was the best decision of my life. I now get to take classes that satisfy my academic curiosity! I left my old school because I felt that it was lacking in STEM classes, and Nueva has fulfilled my desire to learn more about physics, computer science, and math, beyond the AP curriculum. Nueva's community is so incredible and I truly feel welcome at school. The Student Council always makes sure that all voices are heard, and no student is left without support. I find myself excited to go to school every day because each lesson is unique and inspiring. As Nueva continues to grow, I can't wait to see what the upper school will soon become. Go Mavericks!
    Read 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 605 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Winsor School

    • Private School
    • Boston, MA
    • 5-12
    • 67 reviews

    Alum: Overall, my experience at Winsor was overwhelmingly positive. Personally, I would like to see a change in the school’s response to mental health issues. The school’s biggest asset is its faculty. My teachers were passionate, engaging, and valued me as an intellectual and as a person; I feel that they genuinely wanted to see me succeed. Some of my classmates disliked their Winsor experience, but Winsor was undoubtedly the perfect fit for me. Although the work at Winsor can be overwhelming at times, it's worth it. Winsor taught me crucial skills, including critical thinking and time management, and cultivated my intellectual curiosity and my love of learning. Winsor prepared me well for college; I entered college leagues ahead of many of my college classmates. I feel very fortunate to have attended Winsor and am thankful for the opportunities the school has given to me.
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 450 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Sidwell Friends School

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 58 reviews
    #9 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: I had a great experience with Sidwell! I attended for 13 years (K-12) and have very few complaints. The teachers were all deeply invested in students' success, each campus was beautiful and well stocked, and the student body was more kind and welcoming than I've ever seen anywhere else. The small class sizes were one of the best parts for me, in high school I never had a class of more than 20 students and sometimes had classes as small as 11 students! There's a lot of academic rigor but also a really caring community. Also, very good food!
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,145 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Dalton School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 70 reviews
    #10 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Junior: I loved my experience at Dalton. It's an academically rigorous school with a collaborative environment, which are factors that one normally doesn't see paired together in a school. The teachers are amazing and seem to really care about each student's success both in and out of the classroom. Classes are mainly discussion based, thereby allowing everyone to engage in the material in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Dalton has and implements very left winged beliefs and in this way, lacks political diversity. However, they do attempt to engage in meaningful conversations about sensitive topics without imposing these beliefs.
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,322 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Georgetown Day School

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 44 reviews
    #11 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Junior: GDS is in so many ways an ideal learning environment. The teachers are engaging, supportive, and rigorous, the extracurriculars are multifaceted and enjoyable, the athletics are fun and competitive. GDS exemplifies it’s mission, as it leaves students more prepared for life after high school, while instilling them with a crucial sense of right and wrong, and the tools to go out into the world and right some of those wrongs. More than anything else, GDS is what it is because of the students. Collaborative, intellectual, kind, and engaging, the community truly is like no other. People genuinely care about both each other and the school, and that aditude leads to a community that isn’t just in school from 8:15-3:15 and then gone, but one that keeps the building lively at all hours. GDS is truly an incredible place, and I hope that this convinces someone to either apply or attend. I promise you won’t regret it!
    Read 44 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,075 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Cranbrook Schools

    • Private School
    • Bloomfield Hills, MI
    • PK, K-12
    • 223 reviews
    #12 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: This school has a great environment that fosters learning. Every classroom has a good learning environment: students are attentive, and teachers collaborate and give respect back to the students. However, the culture of Cranbrook needs work. I find that many students are entitled or do not realize the privilege they have even over other students in their class. I have really enjoyed using Cranbrook's facilities and making best friends with students from all over the world. As far as rigor goes, this school is understandably harder than the surrounding public schools: it is a college prep after all. However, students have a choice in their course load to customize it to their limits, and I have found that teachers are always willing to help when approached.
    Read 223 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,659 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Rye Country Day School

    • Private School
    • Rye, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 90 reviews
    #13 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: Despite creating a stressful environment at times, Rye Country Day exposed me to opportunities I never knew existed and helped me develop into a better student. The teachers really care about their students and there are venues for anyone with a passion to explore that passion further. As a soon to be alumnus, I highly recommend this school!
    Read 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 924 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. The Chapin School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 75 reviews
    #14 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: I have been at Chapin since Kindergarten, and they have supported me through my entire journey. During my time here I learned I have dyslexia and other learning disabilities and Chapin's learning resources and faculty have been there to guarantee my success. They have excellent resources for all your needs and if you feel like Chapin is lacking in a department they will help fill that hole. I can attest to the fact the Chapin tries to keep up with the times as they have changed a lot during my time here. For example, they have always been at the forefront of the newest strategies to best educate the students such as getting rid of AP classes and implementing new teaching techniques like more class discussions. I highly recommend you send your child or come here because I would not have wanted to grow up in development in any other institution. I am not saying that Chapin is without faults, but they always have good intentions to make this environment the best it can be.
    Read 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 725 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Milton Academy

    • Private School
    • Milton, MA
    • K-12
    • 119 reviews
    #15 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Junior: Milton Academy is an incredible school, and the education I received is top tier. I have not attended college, but the academics seem to mirror a university experience. Teachers won't "force" you to do anything; you are responsible for your attendance, work, growth, etc. This system may sound intimidating but it encourages you to pursue learning because you WANT to, not because you have to. Milton encourages student engagement, participation, innovation, and more. The student body is awesome because everyone is so different! However, keep in mind that it can be a fairly stressful school.
    Read 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,020 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Riverdale Country School

    • Private School
    • Bronx, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 43 reviews
    #16 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: I’m currently a senior at RCS. I uphold a similar sentiment to everyone else who has acclaim for the institution: for its academic prowess. Nonetheless, I consider Riverdale not only an academically-enriching environment but also one which advances personal character and intellectual independence. Riverdale is not an ordinary, textbook-based, question-and-answer institution. Rather, it fulfills the student’s curiosity by challenging their personal intellectual interests and their personal thinking mechanisms. All students at Riverdale share similar passions yet among them is a thorough diversity of the same. I can affirm to all that Riverdale transformed the manner in which I hypothesize, observe, and deduce regarding academic and real-world subject matter. The student body is ultimately integrated, and all students are bound by a unanimous appreciation for enlightenment and sheer enjoyment for an unparalleled experience.
    Read 43 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,189 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. BASIS Scottsdale

    • Public School
    • Scottsdale, AZ
    • 5-12
    • 81 reviews
    #1 Best Public Middle Schools in America

    Parent: The faculty, staff, volunteers, boosters, teachers, and students all are there to improve the world. The numerous clubs, from Amnesty International, Model UN, Medical Leader Club, Public Speaking Club, and the 50+ clubs for students to join, are a huge asset for building future leaders through learning first hand. They also offer many sports, arts, music programs. They have taken the best learning techniques from Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States and brought their own techniques to life with a low teacher to student ratio. Having teachers, that are accomplished as educators and having worked in specialized fields outside of the classroom, brings a wealth of knowledge for the students. BASIS Scottsdale is rewriting what education should be. If more schools followed their path, the world would be a much more intelligent and caring place. I feel lucky to be able to have my son receive such an amazing WORLD CLASS EDUCATION!
    Read 81 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,081 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Head-Royce School

    • Private School
    • Oakland, CA
    • K-12
    • 63 reviews
    #17 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Parent: My daughter has had an outstanding high school experience at Head-Royce - I can't imagine a better school for her. I remember thinking, at my initial parent tour, what a remarkably smart, involved, caring, switched on group of adults running this school and inspiring and supporting the kids - this first impression was spot on. The teachers, administrators, deans, advisors, counselors, librarians, etc are superb. The overall vibe of the kids seems great too - lively and fun but also really bright, hardworking and engaged. Go Jayhawks!
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 875 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. St. John's School

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • K-12
    • 87 reviews
    #18 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Middle School Student: I love it there! It is a very exciting school, with lots to learn. The teachers are involved and great with the students. Although the school is amazing, the diversity isn't very great, and the school is trying to change that. The sports programs have a lot to offer. There is a array of teams to pick from, but we don't win every game. This year the school incorporated a security dog into the school.
    Read 87 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,258 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. The Spence School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • K-12
    • 24 reviews
    #19 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: I have gone to Spence my entire life and I am so grateful for that experience! I definitely enjoyed high school the most out of my 13 years there because of the opportunities, teachers, friends and unique learning experience. I feel close to all the staff and administration there and I truly believe that they want to help you succeed.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 751 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. The Harker School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 127 reviews
    #20 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Alum: I had an amazing experience at The Harker School, partly due to my transformative athletic experience in the high school. Harker's athletic directors and coaches work hard to facilitate a high quality student-athlete experience, and they are constantly improving the facilities so that the available equipment is state-of-the-art. I am sure that the skills of time management and teamwork that I developed as an athlete bolstered my performance in the Harker classroom, and since I was studying so much, it was very healthy for me to be committed to a physical extracurricular activity through team sports. From my experience, like the teachers who work at Harker, the coaches in Harker athletics care deeply about the overall well-being of Harker students and understand that rigorous sports not only can complement but also can support and extend the rigor of intellectual pursuit. I can't recommend Harker athletics and Harker coaches enough!
    Read 127 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,048 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. The Westminster Schools

    • Private School
    • Atlanta, GA
    • K-12
    • 174 reviews
    #21 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: The Westminster Schools is a great institution for a high schooler's education. The teachers are great, the school spirit and athletic department is exceptional, and each student graduates fully prepared for college and a future career. It is not completely perfect, however. Diversity is not the best at Westminster from a percentage standpoint, and it does not seem that much is done about it. The school also puts each student under intense pressure to succeed, which has caused many burnouts by junior year. Although they have the Wellness Center for emotional support, nothing of substance is done to prevent the overwhelmingly large amount of students that cannot sustain the unnecessary intensity of this school. Finally, the performing arts program is greatly under-resourced and is in need of better facilities (classrooms, music stands, instruments, etc.) Westminster is a great school overall, providing students with a brilliant education, with some flaws.
    Read 174 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,870 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • PK, K-12
    • 119 reviews
    #22 Best Private K-12 Schools in America

    Senior: The teachers and extracurricular activities at the Lab School are top-notch. All of the faculty and staff truly care about their field of study, as well as the wellbeing of their students. Unfortunately, there is a large disconnect between the students and the school administration. Most students and teachers feel that they cannot trust the administration because it is evident that the administration will do anything in its power to reduce costs, even at the expense of the students' education and mental health.
    Read 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,051 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Flint Hill School

    • Private School
    • Oakton, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 67 reviews

    Niche User: Incredible faculty. Great school for both academics and sports. A diversity of strengths for well-rounded students that simply can’t be matched by other private schools in Northern Virginia. Students genuinely support each other, even after they become alumni. It’s not uncommon for alumni to return from prestigious universities to share how well the school prepared them for the academic challenges ahead. Also, the robotics program is literally world class!
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,097 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Sandy Spring Friends School

    • Private School
    • Sandy Spring, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 58 reviews

    Parent: New to SSFS, we were welcomed warmly by staff. Our son was given numerous opportunities to connect with other students and has made many friends. It was magic in the first week of term to see him smile, laugh and grow in confidence as he settled in. The academics are excellent and suddenly the 'not so keen student' is interested in his studies. He really loves history now! The organisation of the school day and year has been done thoughtfully and allows students time to decompress - this is such a blessing. I was impressed that the school guided our son in how to study, how to manage his time, to organise his work. Staff care. More than one teacher gave time after school if extra input was needed. Art (ceramics) was enjoyed for the first time and Farming for Fitness has been amazing. The parent association is active; people are friendly and kind to each other. People do what they can. Choosing SSFS was the best decision we ever made for our son.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 603 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    KIPP DC - Will Academy Public Charter School

    • KIPP DC Public Charter Schools, DC
    • 5-8
    • 1 review
    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 321 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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