Best Middle Schools
in Arlington, Texas
We ranked all 16 middle schools in Arlington. The top 16 scored between 4.1 and 7.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
Arlington's middle school landscape spans 16 ranked schools, with performance ranging noticeably across the district. Nichols J H leads the group at 7.1 out of 10 — the only school to clear the 7-point threshold, representing just 6% of ranked middle schools here. Cross Timbers Intermediate and Ousley J H follow closely behind, both scoring above the field average. That average composite score of 5.7 out of 10 signals meaningful variation worth paying attention to. A full point separates the top performer from the midpoint, so school choice here carries real weight. The table below lets you sort by overall score, specific subject performance, and other key metrics. Use it to compare schools side by side and identify where a particular campus stands relative to the rest of Arlington's middle school options.
NICHOLS J H
CROSS TIMBERS INT
OUSLEY J H
Score Distribution
Where the top 16 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Arlington's Middle Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 16 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NICHOLS J H ARLINGTON ISD | 7.1 |
| 2 | CROSS TIMBERS INT MANSFIELD ISD | 6.8 |
| 3 | OUSLEY J H ARLINGTON ISD | 6.7 |
| 4 | YOUNG J H ARLINGTON ISD | 6.6 |
| 5 | SHACKELFORD J H ARLINGTON ISD | 6.5 |
| 6 | BARNETT J H ARLINGTON ISD | 6.2 |
| 7 | WORKMAN J H ARLINGTON ISD | 5.8 |
| 8 | DELLA ICENHOWER INT MANSFIELD ISD | 5.8 |
| 9 | BOLES J H ARLINGTON ISD | 5.7 |
| 10 | JAMES COBLE MIDDLE MANSFIELD ISD | 5.7 |
| 11 | T A HOWARD MIDDLE MANSFIELD ISD | 5.2 |
| 12 | CARTER J H ARLINGTON ISD | 4.8 |
| 13 | ARLINGTON CLASSICS ACADEMY - MIDDLE Charter ARLINGTON CLASSICS ACADEMY | 4.7 |
| 14 | BAILEY J H ARLINGTON ISD | 4.7 |
| 15 | GUNN J H ARLINGTON ISD | 4.6 |
| 16 | ILTEXAS ARLINGTON MIDDLE Charter INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF TEXAS (ILTEXAS) | 4.1 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Texas education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Texas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 16 Middle Schools in Arlington
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Arlington's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Arlington
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Arlington's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 16 schools spanning 9 school districts, plus 2 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 Arlington, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, NICHOLS J H is the top-rated middle school in Arlington with a composite score of 7.1/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Arlington, Texas?
Arlington has 16 middle schools, including 2 charter schools. Of these, 16 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Arlington?
The average composite score for Arlington middle schools is 5.7/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Texas).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Texas, 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 Texas, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Arlington middle school rankings?
Yes. Arlington has 2 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.