2022 Best Middle Schools in the Seattle Area

Lakeside School

• Private School
• SEATTLE, WA
• 5-12
• Rating 4.48 out of 5  102 reviews

Senior: The education was amazing, and the teachers really care about each student's individual progress. There are so many opportunities to explore what you're interested in! Our electives are in-depth and curiosity-nourishing, and are taught by very qualified teachers who are clearly passionate about what they do. There are a million clubs (and ways to create your own club), plenty of sports, and an overall abundance of ways to make lifelong friends. Independent and self-driven students can really thrive here. The only thing I was not a fan of was the college counseling experience around financial aid specifically. I had to figure out how to manage the FAFSA and CSS profiles on my own, and I wish I had had more help picking out affordable schools...Read 102 Reviews

• grade A+

• 838 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Overlake School

• Private School
• REDMOND, WA
• 5-12
• Rating 4.34 out of 5  89 reviews

Freshman: It is an amazing experience to go to Overlake! Coming in as a new student, it was amazing how inclusive the students and faculty are. The teachers hold office hours and really want you to succeed. They even write extensive recommendations for outside school projects and applications. The teachers are honestly amazing and the coursework is challenging. For more advanced student they offer Honors and AP classes and the teachers will always push you regardless. The student body is amazing and since the campus is large you meet people from multiple different grades. A wide range of electives, clubs and hangout spots make the Overlake experience one to remember...Read 89 Reviews

• grade A+

• 529 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Eastside Preparatory School

• Private School
• KIRKLAND, WA
• 5-12
• Rating 4.5 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: EPS is a great school for students who are willing to work hard for a supportive atmosphere. It is very heavy on homework and finals, but the teachers are supportive and flexible. They do not have an expansive sports program, but the sport teams offered are very supported and have great team dynamic. It has a learning disabilities center with Guided Study Hall and accommodation organizing and is therefore an outstanding school for students with learning disabilities...Read 20 Reviews

• grade A+

• 428 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Annie Wright Schools

• Private School
• TACOMA, WA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.36 out of 5  111 reviews

Senior: Annie Wright has been such an amazing institution to study at for my high school career. As a full IB Diploma student, I found the courses challenging, thought-provoking, and fascinating! The small community and class sizes are very beneficial to creating the best learning environment. Additionally, community events and traditions build long-lasting connections and memories that you can carry with you through life. Lastly, as a 5-day boarding student, I can confidently say that the dorms added so much to my high school experience, being able to live with your friends across the grade levels...Read 111 Reviews

• grade A+

• 673 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

University Prep

• Private School
• SEATTLE, WA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.18 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: UPrep has been such a great place for our family. Our sons began in 6th grade and while they are very different students, they each found great friends and lots of ways to engage and learn at UPrep. UPrep’s fantastic teachers have created a culture where kids feel free to experiment with new things. Academics are both rigorous and collaborative so it feels really positive rather than overly competitive. The school embraces cutting edge curriculum like their intensives program where kids spend 3 weeks focusing completely on one area of study. The athletics program has an inclusive no-cut policy. The parent/guardian community is welcoming and we have enjoyed volunteering and making lots of lasting friendships. Finally, the outstanding college counseling office expertly guided our son successfully through the college search process! So clearly we love UPrep and highly recommend it!...Read 62 Reviews

• grade A+

• 604 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

International Community School

• Lake Washington School District, WA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.04 out of 5  92 reviews

Junior: ICS is definitely not for everyone, but if you are prepared to put in a LOT of time and effort into your schoolwork, it prepares you really well for college and beyond in terms of academics and time management. While you won’t get the sports, electives, or wide variety of classes of a normal high school, the community, clubs, and academics are outstanding. Most teachers are pretty good, and a few are excellent. ...Side note: parents, please don’t force your kids to go to ICS if they hate it! I know lots of kids who are miserable, and they would be much happier and more successful at a regular high school. Then, someone else who really wants to be here could also get their spot...Read 92 Reviews

• grade A+

• 429 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Bush School

• Private School
• SEATTLE, WA
• K-12
• Rating 3.85 out of 5  80 reviews

Senior: Bush feels like a small liberal arts college in Seattle. And the academics feel like college too! Round table discussions, experience project learning, high teacher to student ratio.Read 80 Reviews

• grade A+

• 629 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Charles Wright Academy

• Private School
• TACOMA, WA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.37 out of 5  84 reviews

Parent: My two children have very different learning styles and needs and they are both challenged, supported, and thriving at Charles Wright. We are grateful for the school's commitment to caring for students and families and faculty who care deeply for their students. Charles Wright stands by and infuses the school's values of integrity, compassion, excellence, respect, and perseverance into the daily life and it is reflected in the school's culture. My children started in Lower School and I now have one in Middle School and one in Lower School and their experience has been transformational. We will stay through grade 12 and look forward to their educational journey ahead!...Read 84 Reviews

• grade A+

• 557 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Seattle Academy

• Private School
• SEATTLE, WA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  102 reviews

Junior: I am a junior at SAAS and I love it. I have been at SAAS since middle school. The amazing science and arts electives are something that is unique to here. I can take neuroscience right after ceramics right after psychology if I want! Theater and visual arts are particularly strong. All academic classes have different levels to them so that each student can choose how much they would like to challenge themselves. The most challenging classes are American Studies (joint Honors English/Honors History) and Advanced Chemistry. The teachers are great and have diverse teaching styles, so there's always someone who teaches the way you learn. While SAAS has excellent sports teams (soccer, volleyball, golf, and ultimate frisbee are the strongest), the school doesn't revolve around sports like a traditional high school. The college prep is amazing, they have answered all of my questions incredibly well and I have total faith in them going into college applications. I've enjoyed my time at SAAS!...Read 102 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,050 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Northwest School

• Private School
• SEATTLE, WA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.36 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: Our youngest child is in the 4th year at NWS. Our oldest child is in a different school (senior) and that school has a very high rank with this site. The ranking is only as relevant as your child and family fit. NWS has a strong social justice and sustainability focus, integrated with a thoughtful curriculum. ...One distinction is their Humanities program. The curriculum integrates language arts, social studies, and geography in Middle School and history, English, philosophy, art history, and literature in Upper School. I did not realize the full meaning of the benefits until I was in a debate with my student with a very integrative argument! The real world is integrative, so why not educate our students that way. ...The teachers and administrators are passionate about building a whole child and cultivating a caring school culture. When a significant event happens in the real world, the teachers allow time for reflection. I love how they teaches through the child's eyes...Read 66 Reviews

• grade A+

• 452 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Bear Creek School

• Private School
• REDMOND, WA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 3.95 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: This school has provided our three children an incredible foundation since preschool. Our children are now in 5th, 3rd and 1st grade and have developed a love for learning in all aspects of the curriculum. The community is incredibly special and the administration and faculty deeply cares for students and it show each & every day. Navigating school through this covid era is not easy, but the school has done an incredible job to continue the mission, education and social and emotional needs of students. Highly recommend!...Read 76 Reviews

• grade A+

• 893 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

International School

• Bellevue School District, WA
• 6-12
• Rating 3.97 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: International School was amazing! It being a very small school compared to others in the district, a sense of community was formed between each grade. Everyone knew each other and we were able to talk to anyone! It was an amazing 7 years!...Read 93 Reviews

• grade A+

• 587 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

• Private School
• BELLEVUE, WA
• 5-12
• Rating 3.75 out of 5  55 reviews

Parent: My daughter has thrived in the middle school at Forest Ridge. Her teachers care deeply not only about her academic development and achievement, but also about her as a person. You won't find a team of teachers and administrators who are more caring and who know how girls learn and operate, especially during the difficult middle school years. While no one wants to be doing digital learning, this school was able to pivot seamlessly during this pandemic, and we have been beyond thrilled with level of academics that have continued at home, which is a testament to the wonderful teachers...Read 55 Reviews

• grade A+

• 300 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Eastside Catholic School

• Private School
• SAMMAMISH, WA
• 6-12
• Rating 3.87 out of 5  126 reviews

Junior: It’s a super great school! I’m not just saying this, I really mean it. EC has something for everyone. We have great sports teams, we are mainly known for our football team. But all of our sports do pretty well as well. We have a wide range of clubs ranging from A to Z club, Creative writing, anime club, color Guard, the fishing club, finding kind, etc. Our education is amazing, we have great teachers who are always willing to help and you really gain a close connection to them. Our community is smaller compared to most high schools and middle schools, but we really get to know each other and form close bonds. There are also fun retreats that bring us closer to our peers as well. Personally I’ve had an amazing experience and I really love the education, sports, and clubs we have here. I’ve really been able to make a lot of close friends over my years here. And I’m not saying we are this perfect school, no school is, but our school really comes close to it...Read 126 Reviews

• grade A+

• 865 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

West Sound Academy

• Private School
• POULSBO, WA
• 6-12
• Rating 4.53 out of 5  17 reviews

Freshman: Incredible academics and school environment. A rigorous and challenging program, but with super supportive teachers and students. I know that the people I've met, and connections I've made will last me for beyond my WSA career. I've also been able to pursue sports outside of the school and balance taking University courses while still having time for clubs and hanging out with friends. The schedules are flexible to meet your needs with a study hall for students who take language or other classes outside of WSA. The IB program is amazing preparation for college and all the teachers truly care about the students that they are teaching. You can even start up your own clubs or organizations while pursuing other interests!...Read 17 Reviews

• grade A+

• 96 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Woodward Middle School

• Bainbridge Island School District, WA
• 7-8
• Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: Woodward Middle School challenges it's students to do the best they possibly can do, and helps them as much as possible. Woodward provides a safe, fun, happy, and challenging environment. Woodward helped me change from a D student to a advanced A student. It gives students as many chances to help out around the school as possible, weather that be doing after school film projects, or leadership skills Woodward will cover it. So if you are looking for a amazing school that your child will thrive in, then look no further than Bainbridge Island...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A

• 524 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Environmental & Adventure School

• Lake Washington School District, WA
• 6-8
• Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: EAS was a great way to push me out of my comfort zone, as it was easy to tell that each teacher cared about your growth and learning experience. The leadership skills and collaboration skills taught through amazing community service projects and many trips truly helped me many years after. Additionally, the difficult coursework prepared my peers well for high school and beyond...Read 3 Reviews

• grade A

• 139 Students
• 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bellevue Christian School

• Private School
• CLYDE HILL, WA
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.24 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: We never dreamed our 3 kids (1st, 5th and 7th grades) would attend private school, but Covid quickly changed that, so we decided to look into it more. I would encourage others to do the same. You never know until you get all the details and take a tour what is possible. What do you have to lose?...Now our eyes are opened to a new world that fits our family so well! We were fitting in less and less in the changing public school culture and academics, at BCS our family feels at home, equipped and cared for. It feels natural...Our kids are noticed, loved and guided by quality staff and teachers. They found friends quickly and now have less social anxiety and more focus. They keep asking if they can stay, and of course, our answer is YES!...Read 70 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,050 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Northstar Middle School

• Lake Washington School District, WA
• 6-8
• Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: I loved this school! The teachers were amazing, the students were kind and friendly, and the classes were diverse, entertaining, educational and fun.Read 5 Reviews

• grade A

• 90 Students
• 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Odyssey Multiage Program

• Bainbridge Island School District, WA
• K-8
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: I went to Odyssey from 1st to 8th grade, and absolutely loved it. The community is strong, and my friends from Odyssey are still my closest friends today. I am currently a freshman in college, and Odyssey definitely prepares students well academically!! I was a valedictorian at Bainbridge High School and always curious because of the unique learning style at Odyssey. It really teaches kids to love learning most of all. The teachers are excellent as well and I still keep in touch with some of my teachers from all those years ago. I 100% recommend Odyssey. Such a special and wonderful place...Read 1 Review

• grade A

• 187 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hillside Student Community School

• Private School
• BELLEVUE, WA
• 5-12
• Rating 4.56 out of 5  45 reviews

Parent: My daughter joined Hillside as a 6th grader and is now in her senior year. She has developed critical thinking skills, writing skills, and the ability to work on projects. Through her time here, she has made many mistakes, corrected course, and has been gently guided, mentored, and coached by the excellent teachers at hillside. I am so thankful we chose this school!...Read 45 Reviews

• grade A

• 37 Students
• 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Islander Middle School

• Mercer Island School District, WA
• 6-8
• Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: Went here for a year and I have to say the staff and teachers are fantastic. Foods is kind of disappointing howeverRead 3 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,139 Students
• 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Stella Schola Middle School

• Lake Washington School District, WA
• 6-8
• Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: Stella Schola Middle School is a great school! There are only 30 students per grade, so by 8th grade you all know each other very well. The teachers are all very supportive and kind.Read 2 Reviews

• grade A

• 88 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Renaissance School of Art & Reasoning

• Lake Washington School District, WA
• 6-8
• Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: Renaissance is a phenomenal school, and the connections I made will stay with me for the rest of my life. Classes are small, 32 kids a grade, so kids make friends very easily and get to know everyone in the school. The teachers are warm and inviting, helping out students that are having trouble in classes, and joking around with students. The art program is amazing, with students doing mosaics, water color, pastels, and learning about the color wheel and drawing techniques. The performing arts program is also great, with the first semester being focused on dance, and the second on acting. RSAR is the best school I've been to, and I've met my best friends there...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A

• 92 Students
• 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Narrows View Intermediate School

• University Place School District, WA
• 5-7

• grade A

• 681 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio