Best Middle Schools
in Atlanta, Georgia
We ranked the 30 middle schools in Atlanta with real test data. The top 25 scored between 3.9 and 9.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Georgia education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Atlanta for 2026 are Resurgence Hall Middle Academy (9.6/10), David T Howard Middle School (8.9/10), and Kittredge Magnet School (8.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 30 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Atlanta?
Every middle school in Atlanta 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.
Resurgence Hall Middle Academy
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
David T Howard Middle School
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Kittredge Magnet School
Atlanta, GA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Atlanta's middle school landscape spans 27 ranked schools, with performance ranging from developing programs to standout institutions. Resurgence Hall Middle Academy leads the pack at 9.5 out of 10, a full point ahead of second-ranked Ridgeview Charter School. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 6.4 out of 10, meaning families who do their homework can find options that meaningfully outperform the metro norm. Ten schools — 37% of the ranked total — clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold, a useful benchmark when sorting through the table below. The top tier includes a mix of charter schools and magnet programs, giving families real variety in academic focus and school structure. Use the table to filter by score, school type, or location, and pay attention to how individual schools perform across multiple metrics before making your short list.
Resurgence Hall Middle Academy
David T Howard Middle School
Kittredge Magnet School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Atlanta'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 Georgia so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 30 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Resurgence Hall Middle Academy Charter State Specialty Schools II- Resurgence Hall Middle Academy | 9.6 |
| 2 | David T Howard Middle School Atlanta Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 3 | Kittredge Magnet School DeKalb County | 8.7 |
| 4 | Atlanta Neighborhood Charter - Middle Charter Atlanta Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 5 | Atlanta Smart Academy Charter State Specialty Schools II- Atlanta SMART Academy | 8.1 |
| 6 | Ridgeview Charter School Fulton County | 8.1 |
| 7 | Ron Clark Academy | 7.9 |
| 8 | Kipp Soul Academy Charter Atlanta Public Schools | 7.7 |
| 9 | Willis A. Sutton Middle School Atlanta Public Schools | 7.6 |
| 10 | Cmch School | 6.9 |
| 11 | Sandy Springs Middle School Fulton County | 6.8 |
| 12 | Peachtree Middle School DeKalb County | 6.7 |
| 13 | Kipp South Fulton Academy School Charter Fulton County | 6.0 |
| 14 | Camp Creek Middle School Fulton County | 5.9 |
| 15 | John Lewis Invictus Academy Atlanta Public Schools | 5.8 |
| 16 | Martin L. King Jr. Middle School Atlanta Public Schools | 5.7 |
| 17 | Sandtown Middle School Fulton County | 5.3 |
| 18 | Christine Elizabeth Academy | 4.8 |
| 19 | Kipp Strive Charter School Charter Atlanta Public Schools | 4.7 |
| 20 | Sylvan Hills Middle School Atlanta Public Schools | 4.2 |
| 21 | Judson Price Middle School Atlanta Public Schools | 4.2 |
| 22 | Crawford Long Middle School Atlanta Public Schools | 4.1 |
| 23 | Herman J. Russell West End Academy Atlanta Public Schools | 4.1 |
| 24 | Kipp Vision Charter School Charter Atlanta Public Schools | 4.1 |
| 25 | Kipp Ways Academy Charter School Charter Atlanta Public Schools | 3.9 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Georgia education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Georgia. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Atlanta
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Atlanta's Top 10 Middle Schools
Resurgence Hall Middle Academy
Choosing the Right Middle School in Atlanta
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Atlanta's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Georgia, with 30 schools spanning 16 school districts, plus 10 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 Atlanta, Georgia?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Resurgence Hall Middle Academy is the top-rated middle school in Atlanta with a composite score of 9.6/10. 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 Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta has 30 middle schools, including 10 charter schools. Of these, 30 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Atlanta?
The average composite score for Atlanta middle schools is 5.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Georgia).
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 Georgia, 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 Georgia, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Atlanta middle school rankings?
Yes. Atlanta has 10 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.