2023 Best Public Middle Schools in the Portland Area

• West Linn-Wilsonville School District, OR•

• 4-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: My 2 children attended TRCS between 2000 to 2005, i.e., the first 4 years of its operation (we took a gap year in Spain for 2002-2003). They were repeatedly challenged, never allowed to slack and the student body had more IEPs (kids with learning issues) than other schools. Our children thrived.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 111

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  155 reviews

Alum: The International School of Beaverton offers students a well-rounded education that promotes critical thinking skills that can be applied to other aspects of the student's life. In addition to this, students are welcomed into an environment that encourages their students to showcase their own cultures and identities while also promoting understanding between cultures. This is done with a lens of compassion and understanding. This is a great school for those students looking to find an environment of academic rigor, however, a downside to this is that most to all subjects are taught at a very fast rate, accompanied by a heavy workload which makes students feel overwhelmed. This results in many students leaving the school for another. However, in recent years the school has helped more students with this aspect of student's life by providing more mental health checks and options to mitigate stress and anxiety levels.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 867

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Lake Oswego School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: My kids had wonderful experiences at Lake Oswego Junior High School. I can't say enough about the wonderful teachers, counselors, principal, and front office. My kids thrived in the amazing Spanish department led by Profe, the teacher that fosters a love of Spanish in all children. The after school drama productions are amazing. The architecture club recently won first place in an international competition. Community service is heavily encouraged, and last year an eighth grader started an amazing not-for-profit organization which continues to expand. There is something for everyone at Lake Oswego Junior High School, which makes it a perfect place for students to learn, prepare for high school, and also discover their interests and passions. My children were challenged academically and felt extremely prepared when moving on to Lake Oswego High School.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 859

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Lake Oswego School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Alum: The school is so old! The younger students get new computers and the new school, it is so unfair. The food is pretty good. Student Council doesn't do anything. The teachers are ok. It has no diversity everything is white or Asian, some Asians brag that there again, and I find it weird. The way students treat each other is horrible. Kids are so rich at this school it's disgusting. I have seen kids with YEEZY's.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 789

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• West Linn-Wilsonville School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Both my kids attended RRMS. Great high school prep school with fantastic teachers. My kids were always excited to go out the door to school. They were challenged and had a great social support group of RRMS friends. They were able to participate in a variety of activities. GREAT SCHOOL, best in the area.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 709

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Riverdale School District, OR•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: Riverdale's K-8 program is a rare gem amongst public schools, in my opinion. My children have attended since kindergarten, and we all agree the school is phenomenal. The small class size provides a safe, supportive environment that challenges students to go deep and persevere with curiosity. The curriculum is hands-on and offers many creative experiences beyond the classroom. The district has a foundation to augment the funding per child received from the state. I wish all schools had our funding. It really makes a difference. The K-8 experience prepares them well for high school which then sets them up for success after graduation. I have one in college now, and she says she feels very well-prepared for the rigor of college. Well done, Riverdale!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A

• Students 377

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Vancouver School District, WA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  115 reviews

Sophomore: This school provides and fosters a variety of artistic experiences. A good majority of the teachers that you will have care about your education and teach material in an engaging manor. Though this school has helped shape many others into a better person, artist, and student, this school is in any way "perfect". As some other reviews mentioned, the administration doesn't always handle issues within our school, though they are still willing to discuss any problems you may have. With the expansion of our school, the community feeling you used to have is lost, and you probably won't know everyone in your graduating class anymore. Academically, though many courses encourage curiosity and are challenging, the AP options (as of the 22/23 school year) are limited. Despite some negatives, that are present with any school, VSAA is truly such a special place and I would recommend attending.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A

• Students 598

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.57 out of 5  23 reviews

Parent: Stoller has great teachers and students. The teachers are helpful, approachable, and understanding. Stoller encourages individualism and has a strong academic setting (Summa Program, etc) but not in a cutthroat or competitive way. They help developing both academic and personal skills such as collaboration. Mutual support among students is encouraged regularly and effectively.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,409

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  19 reviews

Parent: All 3 of our children attend Arco Iris and I can confidently say that we made the BEST decision in enrolling them here. It has been nothing short of magical watching them become bilingual and biliterate. Every one of our children’s teachers has been PHENOMENAL- brilliant, nurturing, communicative, patient, and the list goes on. Our children’s confidence has grown tremendously in all academic areas & they have developed a great appreciation for other cultures. The extra connections they make by learning two languages is evident. The paraeducators, office staff, and administrators are amazing, as well. We love how connected the school community is through the many volunteer opportunities, meetings, PTO, weekly newsletters, etc. We also utilize the very convenient before- and after-school programs, which our kids really enjoy. Despite no playground (yet), our kids are still very active with various games and activities outdoors, really getting to use their imaginations! We love Arco Iris!... Read 19 reviews

• grade A

• Students 438

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: Springville was a great school where the community was tight knit and leadership opportunities were given every moment. Since I was the first graduating class, there were still some things that they needed to figure out but those got worked out a few years later.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 852

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 334

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• West Linn-Wilsonville School District, OR•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 665

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• West Linn-Wilsonville School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.91 out of 5  11 reviews

Alum: I went to Wood for the full 3 years, and they've come very far. When I first came in as a 6th grader, it wasn't bad but I definitely had no plans of relying on the staff, my fellow students, or the administration for anything. Now I'm graduating with pride. I'm proud of how hard our administration is trying, I'm proud of how understanding my peers can be, and I'm proud of the amazing teachers I got the privalage of having. They still have a ways to go on inclusivity but they're trying, and when I asked next year's 6th graders what they were thinking during their tour there was one trend: they all felt welcomed and like they would be supported. Wood has come very far, and I see no reason for them to not keep going further.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 526

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Camas School District, WA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: I loved the friendly and supportive teachers and well-kept building. The access to resources were excellent, from a full library to taking art and computer classes stocked with all that was necessary to succeed.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 754

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• West Linn-Wilsonville School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: very nice school, awesome campus and facilities. Great teachers as well. Really awesome staff to support the students.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 399

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Camas School District, WA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Having moved from a strong school district in the Bay Area we had high expectations. The transition has been extraordinary and my three children have thrived at this districtl. Certainly a good fit for our family, with a more casual happier learning environment with equal possibly stronger academics to our past school.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 259

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• Sherwood School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: Sherwood middle school is a great middle school and has wonderful teachers, students, and extracurriculars.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,209

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Camas School District, WA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: Pretty good but teachers aren't all that great. I learn a bunch though, even with being in AP classes!!! Everybody is SO kind and welcoming here, and it's a superb community of people.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 743

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Tigard-Tualatin School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,017

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  6 reviews

Middle School Student: Overall, a satisfactory public middle school. Cedar Park provides all the features of a middle school that can be standardly expected.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 854

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 897

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Sherwood School District, OR•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  14 reviews

Works Here: This school is extraordinary! Love the teachers and staff! Very creative, hands on curriculum! Each class goes on at least 6 field trips a year to make learning come alive. The teachers are well-planned and organized with outstanding classroom management. The team is very dedicated to every single student and the school has a family feel. The students leave very prepared for high school feeling confident about their abilities.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 212

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Vancouver School District, WA•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  25 reviews

Junior: I am currently a student at iTech Preparatory and I love the program! We are a project-based and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) school built on collaboration and creativity. I love iTech because it encourages students to work outside of the box. We are also about to get our own building (since we have been staying in the Clark College building on WSUV campus). The building is phenomenal and has been built around who we are as a school. I would encourage students to join iTech because it is an experience you will never forget.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 514

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Beaverton School District, OR•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  100 reviews

Senior: B.A.S.E is absolutely amazing, the teachers are overall extremely kind and have a love for both their students and their jobs. There is definitely a sense of community and class sizes are nice and small. But there are certainly issues, the school needs an update to a lot of their infrastructure, more funding for specific programs, more elective options, and there is definitely a very obvious large student dislike of Admin. The students and the teachers make the community worthwhile and they are what upholds the school, not anything else.... Read 100 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 840

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• North Clackamas School District, OR•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Junior: HVMS is an amazing school! I really enjoyed all the teachers I had! The staff encourage students to get involved and engage in the activities. The only thing I would change are class sizes, but that will be fixed by 2020... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,052

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1