2023 Middle Schools with the Best Teachers in California

• Woodside, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: Great Teachers! Smart and competitive students. My main critique is about diversity, the school works hard on it but it is really not possible. Also if you are not very left-wing you will be destroyed by unsupportive peers and some teachers. There is literally borderline propaganda on the walls that includes fighting against those who think differently, defunding government organizations, and fighting the government. Some are supportive but if you don't think like others don't say anything.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 368

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Riverside Unified School District, CA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  55 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Riverside STEM Academy has been very rigorous and inspiring so far. Attending since 5th grade, the teachers are very supportive, ensuring your success through very thorough explanations whenever you ask a question. Additionally, though the work is very demanding and rigorous, there is always the feeling of self-satisfaction in getting a project done. As we are partnered with UCR, research and extracurricular activities, especially during the summer are plentiful and recommended. A close-knit community, Riverside STEM Academy is a place for those wishing to pursue a better future for themselves and their family. It is a place that unless you are willing to put 100%, you will not enjoy it.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 655

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  43 reviews

Parent: We have found this to be a truly wonderful school with outstanding teachers, devoted administrators and a diverse community. We love the project based learning and critical thinking skills that our son is gaining through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program provided at the school. We also really value the opportunity that he has to learn TWO new languages, through German immersion and then Spanish beginning in third grade. Moreover, the school community really is international and very diverse. We love how different cultures and traditions are highlighted throughout the curriculum and school activities. Additionally, we have been really thrilled by the individualized attention that our son receives. The teachers and staff all really take the time to get to know individual students and their families, and are there to provide support and encouragement to all of us!... Read 43 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• San Jose, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: I got the benefit of going to this school because all my older brothers were already going there. I went to DCS all the way from kindergarten to eighth grade. There are so many things that this school offers which you will never find anywhere else. One of the things that might either seem like a pro or a con is that DCS is very reliant on parent participation. This participation often makes school a lot easier as a young child. Though if you worry that as a parent you wouldn't be able to participate whether it be due to a job or something, don't worry about it! DCS is very understanding and only encourages parent participation if possible. Another great thing about DCS is that they really focus on building the skills you will need to succeed late in life. They might not give you as much homework and so it might seem that it is easier, but realistically they are just trying to get away from the idea of working for the grade rather than the gaining of knowledge and understanding.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 553

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Ross, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• San Francisco, CA•

• Public School•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Love the schools vision of inquiry based education and it’s commitment to equity which plays out in many facets of school life from the curriculum to admin priority setting. My kids absolutely adore their teachers and are engaged in what they are learning. I’ve never once heard that school is “boring”. We have also loved the parent community and opportunities to engage such as at Friday All School Meetings. While we would like to see a more robust arts program and expanded extracurriculars we know the school is still in its early years and bouncing back from the impacts of the pandemic. The school leadership is very focused on teacher retention - a national challenge post pandemic - and on closing achievement gaps, which we value tremendously. Looking forward to all the growth to come!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 391

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: Since my son began his educational journey through LMS, he has felt included, supported, and challenged. The music program is exceptional, and I have seen tremendous improvement from his musical growth. He started in the lowest level, to scoring a spot in the advanced music level. He is also in advanced placement math and has felt that the curriculum has challenged his smarts. The counselors are very supportive and provide help when necessary. From the day he popped out of me, I could tell he had massive potential. Ever since we started at Lincoln Middle School, I have seen his full potential. Love you, baby!!! From, a proud Lincoln parent!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,054

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Portola Valley Elementary School District, CA•

• 4-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Corte Madera has low teacher to student ratios and good academic achievement scores. Many elective and after school options (sports, clubs etc). The campus is safe and beautiful. Excellent school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 272

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Millville, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 243

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Mckittrick, CA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 67

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Carmel Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• 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+

• grade A+

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Arcadia Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: Dana was amazing! The teachers there help me grow a lot and they are excellent. It’s very clean and safe there. It’s full of amazing people, though they could change a few teachers.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 668

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Redondo Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Middle school years are a hard transition. Adams Middle school has supported my children, they have amazing teacher, diversity and culture. They prepare kids for the transition to high school and keep them college minded. We feel so fortunate to be at Adams and in the RBUSD.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,054

• Student-teacher ratio 25:1

• Irvine Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB! GOOD JOB!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 462

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Los Altos Elementary School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: The school is one of the best and my 3 kids went to 3 different middle schools. The Principal and staff understand the needs of this age group so well and the environment is kind and student friendly. I wish my child go there for longer than 2 years!... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 423

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Los Altos Elementary School District, CA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: The teachers are very good, however there is a significantly unfair push for higher math classes in lower grades. Overall a great school!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 546

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, CA•

• K-8

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 232

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Poway Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  16 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,566

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Palo Alto Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: Learning Targets and Evidence Based grading have changed the world. Can't wait to see it all on Schoology.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 987

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Buellton Union Elementary School District, CA•

• 6-8

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 201

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• South Pasadena Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: It is a very diverse and warm environment. Everyone always seems happy. The teachers do a great job teaching and everyone seems to know each other.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,176

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 586

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Arcadia Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  11 reviews

Middle School Student: Too good, no bullying, everything is good( the lunch line is always toooooooooo long!) Teachers are nice! There is only one teacher for the whole music program(Band and orchestra)... Read 11 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 686

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Redondo Beach Unified School District, CA•

• 6-8

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 1,184

• Student-teacher ratio 28:1