2024 Best Public Middle Schools in the San Diego Area

• San Diego Unified School District, CA•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  47 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 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 227

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• La Jolla, CA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  314 reviews

Sophomore: This is a really great school! I am currently a sophomore and have had many great experiences. Although we aren’t widely known for our sports, we do offer a variety such as soccer, basketball, golf, etc. Preuss does provide more academically; they provide more advanced classes and prepare students for college. Since Preuss has a smaller population of students, it allows teachers to focus and actually help out students. All teachers are more than willing to help if needed. Also, the Preuss community is very open and active. There are a variety of clubs which put on multiple events for the school. If you are looking for an academically friendly school with a friendly community, the Preuss School UCSD is the school for you!... Read 314 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 853

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• San Dieguito Union High School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: PTMS is an incredible middle school. Any student should be thrilled to have the opportunity to go there. I have never met such committed, enthusiastic teachers. The students are academically oriented but are also into sports and other extracurricular activities. My son has met so many friends. The Carmel Valley neighborhood is conducive to raising well-rounded kids. I believe we have the best middle school in California.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 867

• Student-teacher ratio 26:1

• 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 797

• 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 531

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.12 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: This is an excellent school with wonderful teachers, awesome curriculum and after school clubs and activities. We love it here!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,505

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  8 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 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,073

• 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 1,136

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• 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 780

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• 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 808

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Carlsbad Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 974

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• El Cajon, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  30 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 30 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,945

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: One thing that stood out to me about Bernardo Heights Middle School was the teachers/staff there. Most of my teachers were flexible to work with me outside classroom time to help me understand the material. The lunch duty staff was very friendly and always made sure everyone was being safe. One thing I'd like to see change about Bernardo Heights Middle School are more computers put into the library since most computer labs were reserved for classes.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,381

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• 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 1,097

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 258

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 1,196

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Fantastic opportunities at this school for both of my kids! We attended elementary and middle school here, and the type of learning here emphasizes design thinking, which includes collaboration, empathy, problem solving, creativity, and innovation. This really is the school of the future and visitors come from all over the world to learn about how this school does education differently! One of their signature events is Maker39, which starts with the creation of businesses, writing resumes, job interviewing skills, and a Shark tank-like business and product pitch to "investors" (parent volunteers). It culminates in a Maker fair, where students market and sell their products and donate the earnings to a charity of choice. The staff is truly passionate and caring, and the facilities here are stunning! The parent Foundation is really involved and raises a considerable amount of money, which allows for a lot of extra experiences. You have never seen a K-8 campus like this!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,193

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• 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 632

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: The Learning Choice Academy is a charter school which offers K-12 education. I'm currently a junior in high school, and I've been with the school since the second semester of kindergarten. The small class sizes offer a very tight-knit, personal community of students, and many of my friends have been in my grade since middle or even elementary school, although new students are usually able to integrate quite well. As for the educational prospects, the school offers a reasonably good curriculum for elementary and middle schoolers, but the lack of elective classes and clubs in high school is somewhat of a detriment. Aside from that, however, the Learning Choice Academy is a very solid school.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: The best part about my experience at the O’Farrell Charter School is the diversity of students there. While many schools have a specific targeted race or gender or any specific cliché of students, I find that you can find almost any type of person at O’Farrell. As well as the amount of school activities helps each student bond with one another, an example would be our Homebase Olympics event that happens annually. This is a tradition at O’Farrell that any student can get excited for and sets the school different from others. The staff at O’Farrell make the experience much more enjoyable as well as they all have connections and bonds to the students. The worst part about my experience at O’Farrell is our strict guidelines, such as our dress code or attendance policy. The O’Farrell Charter School is a uniform school such as all students having to wear a belt, even if their pants fit perfectly, or if you even forget it by accident you get warned. My experience is unique here nonetheless.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,789

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• 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 910

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  170 reviews

Senior: Guajome Park Academy Charter is a great school for academics. They are able to provide you with college level courses like the International Baccalaureate diploma which is what I am currently taking, or they allow you to take the college prep pathway. It is a great school that helps prepare students for college and they are very dedicated to what they do. They maintain a healthy and very friendly environment where you enjoy being in classes and being engaged in what is going on around you. They make sure everyone is happy and they try to maintain an encouraging and inviting environment for anyone and everyone. They make sure all people feel included no matter the situation and they are overall a great school with amazing teachers, and amazing staff as well.... Read 170 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,347

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Chula Vista, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• Students 944

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• San Marcos Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  9 reviews

Middle School Student: man do I love san Elijo middle school! its super fun to go to and its a super nice school with super nice teachers and super nice buildings and super nice bathrooms and super nice kids and super nice equipment and super nice books and super nice stuff and super nice things in general.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,496

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• San Diego, CA•

• Public School•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: This is an amazing school both of my children have flourished here...it’s one of the best schools in San Diego.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 416

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1