Best Middle Schools
in Albuquerque, New Mexico
We ranked the 29 middle schools in Albuquerque with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.8 and 9.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and New Mexico education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Albuquerque for 2026 are Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School (9.1/10), Desert Ridge Middle (8.4/10), and Eisenhower Middle (8.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 29 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Albuquerque?
Every middle school in Albuquerque is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School
Albuquerque, NM. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Desert Ridge Middle
Albuquerque, NM. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Eisenhower Middle
Albuquerque, NM. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Albuquerque's 29 ranked middle schools span a meaningful range of performance, giving families real options to compare. Jefferson Middle leads the field with an 8.7/10 composite score, followed closely by Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School at 8.5 and a cluster of strong performers in the mid-8s. The metro average sits at 6.9/10, but more than half of ranked schools — 15 in total — clear the 7/10 threshold, which means quality options are spread across the city rather than concentrated in a single pocket. The table below lets you sort by overall score, academics, or other metrics to find the schools that match your priorities. Whether you're weighing proximity, test performance, or school type, the data here covers the full range of Albuquerque middle schools that have enough information to be meaningfully ranked. Start by sorting the top score column to see how the leaders stack up against the field.
Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School
Desert Ridge Middle
Eisenhower Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Albuquerque's Middle Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within New Mexico so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 29 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School Charter ALBUQUERQUE | 9.1 |
| 2 | Desert Ridge Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 8.4 |
| 3 | Eisenhower Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 8.2 |
| 4 | Solare Collegiate Charter School Charter SOLARE COLLEGIATE CHARTER SCHOOL | 7.7 |
| 5 | Tony Hillerman Middle School ALBUQUERQUE | 7.5 |
| 6 | Madison Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.7 |
| 7 | Grant Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.6 |
| 8 | Jefferson Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.5 |
| 9 | Cleveland Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.4 |
| 10 | South Valley Prep Charter SOUTH VALLEY PREP | 6.4 |
| 11 | L.b. Johnson Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.3 |
| 12 | Hoover Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.2 |
| 13 | Jackson Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.2 |
| 14 | Washington Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.2 |
| 15 | Harrison Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.1 |
| 16 | Taft Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 6.1 |
| 17 | John Adams Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.9 |
| 18 | Hayes Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.7 |
| 19 | Truman Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.7 |
| 20 | Garfield Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.6 |
| 21 | James Monroe Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.6 |
| 22 | Kennedy Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.4 |
| 23 | Ernie Pyle Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.3 |
| 24 | Van Buren Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 5.1 |
| 25 | Mckinley Middle ALBUQUERQUE | 4.8 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and New Mexico education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in New Mexico. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Albuquerque
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Albuquerque's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Albuquerque
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Albuquerque's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in New Mexico, with 30 schools spanning 28 school districts, plus 4 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best middle school in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School is the top-rated middle school in Albuquerque with a composite score of 9.1/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many middle schools are in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
Albuquerque has 30 middle schools, including 4 charter schools. Of these, 29 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Albuquerque?
The average composite score for Albuquerque middle schools is 6.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in New Mexico).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within New Mexico, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in New Mexico, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Albuquerque middle school rankings?
Yes. Albuquerque has 4 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.