2023 Best Public Middle Schools in San Diego County

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: Mt. Everest Academy is an exceptional school that offers a unique learning experience for each student. The teachers and faculty at Mt. Everest are very caring and truly look out for the students best interest. Being that Mt. Everest Academy is an alternative, independent study school, working in that environment provides the students with better time management and communication skills than at your typical high school. In a way you get that college experience of having different classes on different days and times; having to balance your class time, homework, and extracurricular schedules is all a part of it. That might seem intimidating to some but fortunately you still have the guidance and help from teachers and counselor who will help you make the best decisions for your goals and needs. At Mt. Everest Academy, you have the opportunity to make a connection with each of your teachers, which adds to the overall experience. Enroll at Mt. Everest Academy, you won’t regret it!... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• La Jolla, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  303 reviews

Senior: My experience here at Preuss has been fantastic. The school provides opportunities for students to participate in many activities after school too and prepare them for university! I also feel like this is a safe space for me and ask teachers for help; teachers here at Preuss really want students to succeed. As a first-gen student, Preuss has done their best to guide me for what to do when applying for universities as a senior and makes sure that all students are on track! Through it's rigorous curriculum, all of these are established this way to make it easier for students by their senior year without having to worry much if they're meeting all the requisites when applying to universities. Student's can view that handwork is paying off in the end.... Read 303 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 848

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Middle School Student: CVMS was such a fun experience overall. However, the school was mainly white and asian, and the science curriculum was boring. There were fights and scandals, but it was occasional. One thing I want to complain about is the food. The pizza was chalk dry and the pick up stix barely had any meat. The district has these lunch sets which contain a main food, fruit and drink. I was never full from it! I had to go and buy snacks or else I would be starving. Everything was also way overpriced. One shrimpy slice of pizza was 3.75. It doesn't look expensive but wait until you see the portion size.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 894

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A+

• Students 876

• Student-teacher ratio 27:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  16 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,566

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Great school - EXCEPT - if your child gets Schaller as a science teacher, expect that they will learn nothing. This teacher should retire or not be working with children. Absolutely awful teacher. The one thing my child is learning from him is the fact that there are indeed horrible teachers out there working and administrators cannot do anything in regards to switching your kid to a teacher where you kid will actually learn the subject at hand.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 551

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: Great band program! We had two performances a year and definitely recommend joining. However, I would like to see more effort in language programs.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,170

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Black Mountain Middle School Academy teachers were excellent online 2020-2021. The office hours provided a vital opportunity for one on one time. In those short 5-10 minutes, new perspectives and answers were found. Thank you.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 1,175

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Spring Valley, CA•

• Public School•

• 5-8

• grade A

• Students 402

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Middle School Student: Meadowbrook Middle school really helps me get myself into work. Some of the classes were difficult, but really helps me understand and puts me into my level. MBMS will make be memorable for you. This school has set some new experience for me and really recommended to future 6-8th graders.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,191

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Coronado Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: I would like better food. That’s my only complaint. Otherwise the school is great and the schedule is perfect and easy going.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 631

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: Diegueno Middle School was some of the best of times and some of the worst of times. Of course, middle school isn't the most fun time in ones life but the admin and awesome teachers made it all worth while.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 805

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Carlsbad Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 934

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: Bernardo Heights Middle School was a great school in both academics and sports. Although the class sizes were large the teacher made sure to give equal opportunities to all students. What I liked the most about the teachers was the enjoyment they showed teaching and that they were always happy to answer any questions you had. During school I felt like I was in a safe environment and made sure all students knew what to do in case of an emergency. The variety of sports the school offered was great, there was an activity for everyone to try and/or play. Considering the fact the school was in a diverse area, bullying was not an issue students had to worry about. Everyone had a group of friends outside of classes and your own friends in the classes shared with other classmates. Overall Bernardo Heights Middle School is a wonderful school to attend.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,453

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• El Cajon, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: We've been a part of LFCS for 11 years. Now all 4 of my kids are in school there and we are so thankful for a safe, consistent learning environment for them. I so appreciate that the school takes a neutral position on any and all political or controversial issues, and instead encourages kids to ask their parents what their family values are. Also, there are regular meetings where parents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the inner workings of the school. And I'm always impressed with the school's financial transparency and fiscal responsibility. They operate within the budget and welcome questions from parents regarding spending. If you're unsure about whether this is the school for you, attend a tour and get informed. They are happy to answer any questions you have!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,862

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: This school helps kids online and still has the same help they would have online or in person. I’m so grateful for oak crest and there support for my child and others, so thank you teachers and staff and a big thank you to Katie Friedrichs for making this school a memory to remember for a life time thank you one again :)... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 817

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Amazing experience and great Covid response. Very diverse curriculum. Has created a lot of confidence and independence for my kids. Multitude of extracurricular activities. Some turnover recently in the administration. Also excellent before/after school program as well as summer program. Preschool on-site (full and partial day) run through the district. Heavy emphasis on collaboration. Some grades combined. Moderate to heavy technology usage. No homework tasks (at least in lower grades). Fantastic daily, weekly and monthly communication with the teachers. I get pictures several times a day with updates on what the kids are doing.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: My children have been here for 5 yrs & 1 is graduating this yr. I have seen both good & bad, but overall, I will say relatively good in compared to other middle schools. Admin & school board communication have been A+++. There are monthly coffee talk and you can see the schedule on the school event calendar. I noticed many parents’ suggestions were implemented by admin right after the coffee, very impressive! The few bullying that I heard of were investigated and actions were taken. Now, with recruiting of parent volunteers for lunch/recess time, it should only get even better! Never heard of LBGQT+ discrimination. I will say 80+% teachers are A+++, super supportive & care students learning. There are 1-2 that just asked students do worksheets but a minority & I don’t think there’s much can be done with the teacher union policy. I wish though physics class, UN/academic competition lunch club, teacher-led robotics, speech & debate can be brought back. But we do have 2 elective classes... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 1,183

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Arroyo Vista did a wonderful job accepting our kindergarten child. First online and later in hybrid. This year in first grade has been wonderful in-person learning. My child is very motivated to learn.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 944

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Middle School Student: I feel that the program at Twin Peaks was alright because the academics, I felt, were not challenging enough for me. On the other hand, the teachers were very inclusive and engaging. The diversity of the students was nice with all different backgrounds. They need to improve on their clubs to make it more accessible and engaging for all different students. Most of their food was okay, but the main problem was the vaping. There were way too many kids their that did vaping. One of my friends cuts herself and I had told a counselor whom I trusted. She handled it very smoothly, but my friend still cuts her arms and I do not know how to get her to stop. The band teacher there is phenomenal that keeps the students very engaged and makes sure that they are having a good time.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,164

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 249

• Student-teacher ratio 31:1

• Encinitas, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• grade A

• Students 281

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  166 reviews

Senior: Guajome has this lovely small school feel to it that has taught me everything in preparation for my future in social life and in college, even beyond that. They give enough resources and plenty of options for unique and rigorus classes that any person would love to experience. The implantations of the IB courses has benefitted me and everyone I've talked with on how it reflects freshman college courses perfectly, but in a way for high school upper classmen to still enjoy their high school years without the stress of living on campus or having to pay for classes. I've been at Guajome since 6th grade in 2016 and I'm a senior now ready to graduate in 2023, and I have to say the best thing about Guajome has been the staff and teachers. They are always very welcoming with issues and the teachers passion for teaching is shown every single day which has motived me to do better and become the person I am today.... Read 166 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,409

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Carlsbad Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Freshman: I went to this school myself. I found my best friends here, and experience great things and awful things. The teachers are nice overall and can be understanding. There are a lot of options for students to do here, including a ton of electives. Recommend this school for students who need learning support and who aren't as STEM-focused. This doesn't mean that this school wouldn't maybe appeal to them or be good for them, but for STEM-focused kids that prefer science over visual and language arts, then maybe Calavera will be more suited for them.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 876

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1