2023 Best Public Middle Schools in North Carolina

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: I have three children at WCS and we have been incredibly pleased with our experience! I went to a small private school and see many similarities between it and the experience my children are having at Woods. We have LOVED our teachers. My son is currently being placed into a reading intervention program to receive extra help. The school and specialists have been attentive and responsive to all of our questions. It is a loving, nurturing and positive atmosphere. I am so happy we are at this school and look forward to many more years as part of the Woods family!... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 512

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Charlotte, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: Having been at the school since its inception and assisting in many ways from start-up fundraising, marketing, assisting in the classroom and coaching, I can tell you that the Scholars’ Academy is a gifted school like no other. With my three children attending (one having had AWEFUL experiences in public school before being identified as twice gifted), they were able to freely explore their intellectual abilities and create solid lifelong friendships. All organizations have growing pains and our school may not be perfect for your student… that is an opportunity for the parent to find the right place where their student flourishes! The Scholars’ Academy lets kids be kids, have fun and learn at their speed. Being at SA is like a trip to the United Nations of Children. Our diversity is broad. Moving into high school is always an adjustment, but for 9 years my children were able to feel good in their skin and have fun learning!... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 390

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: My son has been a student since kindergarten... Quest Academy offers the best education in available in a public school setting. He is at least two years ahead of the average student in NC for his grade level academically. I plan for him to finish through the 8th grade... Quest was the BEST decision we ever made!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 143

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lumberton, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A+

• Students 218

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hillsborough, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: Our daughter has thrived since the day she started TES. The deep exploration of project based learning in a non-judgmental, creative STEAM environment has fostered her love of learning. The school administrators and staff have given such careful thought to the diverse group of learners and how the curriculum can be both challenging but also adjustable and engaging for everyone in the class. We have been at other schools and TES is unparalleled in the quality of education and development of the whole child. We love our school!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 359

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Huntersville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  273 reviews

Alum: I spent eight years at LNC and made great friends and even greater memories. The sporting events are always fun to attend, especially with the Knightmare student section. The majority of teachers are amazing and you have many opportunities to take AP and Dual Enrollment courses. They also have a great lunch program where you can order from places like Chik-Fil-A and Panda Express. The only thing I didn’t enjoy with LNC was how everyone had their own social group that they always stuck with. Overall, I enjoyed my time at LNC and I will forever be a Knight!... Read 273 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,209

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Wake Forest, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Endeavor is a fantastic school. As you can see the overall scoring is strong, but the work that goes behind those scores is what makes me love this school for my kids. The staff and teachers are an amazing group that genuinely care about the kids and their families and strive to provide the best environment and education possible for all. If I had to think of anything I wish would change... I would love to see sports offered at lower grade levels for the elementary aged kids. This could have been offered in the past and may be due to lack of interest that it didn't take. Also, I would love for the school to expand to 12th grade :)... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: We have had a fantastic experience at Exploris. We had two kids start when they expanded to elementary in 2014 and my youngest was lucky enough to start there in K. My oldest has since moved on to HS (for which she was extremely well prepared) and still says she misses Exploris. The culture and community at the school are warm and welcoming. They are making a real effort to become more diverse, which can be hard for charters without funds for transportation. The curriculum is project or theme based, so that content is linked to real life, particularly in the middle school. My kids have done great academically, but we've really enjoyed the "whole child" education approach. It is turning my children into compassionate, kind thinkers that will see problems around them and feel empowered to tackle them. If you're looking for a ton of sports, Exploris is not for you, but my kids have enjoyed club offerings and enrichment classes through Explorations.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Morrisville, NC•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: The diversity and to be able to do your work at your own time. The diversity of the school is good. Sterling have a lot of good teacher with different teaching style.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 618

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Greensboro, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: My son has been going to Greensboro academy sense kindergarten. The teachers there are amazing and also looking out for the best interests of the kids. The administration is the best around! It's a very clean and welcoming school! We moved last year 45 min away and I still drive every day to take my son there. I wouldn't have him go anywhere else!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 763

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Summerfield, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: SCA is the cream of the crop for elementary/middle schools. Their curriculum is top notch. This shows in the students attitudes and test scores. The teachers really know how to relay the information to the students. I do think a little smaller student to teacher ratio would be better. Rooms seems a little overcrowded. However the teachers really seem to handle this well. They have a very positive attitude and this carries over to their class.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 779

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Raleigh, NC•

• Public School•

• 3-8

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  14 reviews

Niche User: I like the small classes, it helps with focused studies. They can somehow cram all that knowledge but make it feel like a game of paper. The diversity has risen over the years, and lots of the kids are nice. It helps prepare students for upcoming years and incorporates all of the "specials" and "electives" into the classes or you can sign up for an after school activity. You get to bring your own food which helps with allergy and health worries from stressed parents. I've seen two very nice janitors and lots of encouraging words all around. Thank you Magellan Charter for being a great school.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 405

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Francine Delay has been amazing for my son! They do so many cool activities and projects that keep him really engaged! I love how responsive the teachers are! My son had speech delays starting kindergarten and his teacher went above and beyond to make sure he felt confident speaking up in class! There is a really wonderful community feeling at Francine Delany, it's a really incredible school!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• Students 181

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Wake Forest, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: We’re in our 5th year at ESA! My daughter loves being an Eagle! Her 3rd and 5th grades were amazing with some of the best educators pouring knowledge and passion for learning into each student. Project-based learning is so effective, relevant and transferable to trade or higher education. Highly recommend!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 736

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Mooresboro, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  142 reviews

Senior: Thomas Jefferson can be a quite challenging school which I believe is to the best benefit of all of its students. They pride themselves in creating students that are prepared for college and I think that is great. Most of the teachers are willing to work with each student to ensure the best for them and I personally believe that it’s one of the best experiences you can get out of the school. But truth be told, they are often quick to address petty problems rather than real issues going on within the school, which I would argue is the worst part of the TJ experience.... Read 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,324

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Cary, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  35 reviews

Alum: I was introduced to different, cultural backgrounds and individuals versus going to a public school. It would’ve been predominantly white people. They have excellent staff. However a lot of teachers do come and go. Depending on the student, their high school experience could vary. Mine was pretty well. Was involved in clubs and sports and had good grades overall making friends and connections was fun.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,022

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1

• Durham Public Schools, NC•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  266 reviews

Senior: My first year at DSA was in 6th grade and the school was so welcoming. It's a safe place with many different people and you won't feel out of place. DSA focuses on the arts, so if you enjoy music, visual arts, dance, theatre, 2D and 3D design then DSA is the school for you. I guarantee it! And how could an art school not have art around the campus? Everywhere you go, from the middle school building all across campus to the Math and Science building, there is art everywhere. Painted trashcans, drawn-on concrete, clay pots, paintings hung up, walls with beautiful art, and music playing from the orchestra, band, piano, chorus, theatre, guitar, and/or dance rooms. Art can bring people together and there is living proof of that at Durham School of the Arts.... Read 266 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,763

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Excellent school, very caring teachers, front desk lady was also very nice. I would record this middle school to all people moving to the Chapel Hill area.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 665

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Holly Springs, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Pine Springs offers one of the most rich curriculum experiences I have seen in any elementary school. My children come home teaching me something new every day. The board truly listens to parent input. The PTO is top notch. We have been thoroughly pleased with the rich education our children are receiving at PSPA.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,097

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Mooresville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  137 reviews

Senior: I have attended Pine Lake Preparatory ever since I was in 3rd grade ad the experience was nothing but incredible. The staff has always treated everyone with respect and kindness. The school itself is also beautiful, offers incredible courses, and is overall well-designed. If I had to pick a bad experience I would say some of the school field trips were not always fully organized but at the end of the day, we all made the best of it! I wouldn't change much about my school! I love it.... Read 137 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,869

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Alum: The teachers there were extremely kind, knowledgeable, and taught in an engaging and interesting style. Course options were diverse, and I generally had a pleasurable experience there. My only concern is the lack of challenging courses for 6th and 7th graders. I was unable to take AP courses (or preAP courses offered) as a 6th grader, and yet found the math and english courses quite easy. The addition of more challenging courses would be great.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 716

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Davidson, NC•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  77 reviews

Senior: Community School of Davidson has the best teachers I have ever had, they truly care about you and they go out of their way to help you. For example I had emailed a teacher at 10:30 pm, and I didn't want or expect them to get back to me that night but sure enough at 11 pm they did. The learning style here is something I have never experienced, in that they don't have test ever week and in a history class I had we look at a war that happened and got articles from both countries that were involved to see how they both blamed each other. But the other students are nice, but most of the students have been there since preschool so they take our school for granted. Also the students there are 85% well off, which isn't a bad thing but there just isn't a diversity of wealth or race. Overall CSD is a good school and they try their best!... Read 77 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,475

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Matthews, NC•

• Public School•

• K-9

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  19 reviews

Middle School Student: After reading some of these reviews it is absolutely absurd that you would think this isn't the best school you could send your kid to. Not only is it academically the best school I've ever seen, not only does it have the best teacher student relationships I've seen but it also has the least amount of bullying in maybe every school in the nation. Bullying is far from tolerated and the most I've seen is name calling. With that to quote another review I saw that said teacher leave so often be cause it's terrible, they actually leave often because most Greek teachers on are visa's to teach in the United States they're not leaving because they hate it they're leaving because they legally are required to. I've never seen a school that consistently graduates kids smarter than you can imagine. To even think that this school isn't a too school is the nation is blasphemy. The only thing that isn't top notch in the school is the sports probably because they're too busy making your kids smarter... Read 19 reviews

• grade A

• Students 824

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: McDougle Middle's Fines Arts Department is the best in the state. They offer Art, Band, Chorus, Drama, and Orchestra. All of the teachers are fantastic. The choir performed at Carnegie Hall last year. All ensembles and classes give numerous performances each year.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 753

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Cary, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: We have been at Carolina Charter since the school opened in 2019 and we absolutely love it. The teachers and staff are wonderful, intentional, and caring. Our children learn and grow and are challenged every year.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 858

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1