Best Middle Schools
in Austin, Texas
We ranked the 42 middle schools in Austin with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.6 and 9.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Austin for 2026 are West Ridge Middle (9.5/10), Hill Country Middle (9.4/10), and Cedar Valley Middle (8.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 42 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Austin?
Every middle school in Austin 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.
West Ridge Middle
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Hill Country Middle
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Cedar Valley Middle
Austin, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Austin's middle school landscape spans 41 ranked schools, with performance ranging widely across the metro. Four Points Middle leads the field at 8.2 out of 10 — nearly three full points above the average composite score of 5.5 — signaling that school choice here carries real consequences for families. Only 9 schools, about 22% of the ranked pool, clear the 7-point threshold. That group includes IDEA Health Professions College Preparatory, General Marshall Middle, Kealing Middle, and Hill Country Middle, each landing at 7.2 or 7.3. The spread between the top performers and the metro average underscores how uneven quality can be even within a single district or zip code. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other factors so you can cut through the noise and focus on the options most relevant to your student.
West Ridge Middle
Hill Country Middle
Cedar Valley Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Austin'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 Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 42 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Ridge Middle EANES ISD | 9.5 |
| 2 | Hill Country Middle EANES ISD | 9.4 |
| 3 | Cedar Valley Middle ROUND ROCK ISD | 8.7 |
| 4 | Canyon Vista Middle ROUND ROCK ISD | 8.7 |
| 5 | Bee Cave Middle LAKE TRAVIS ISD | 8.6 |
| 6 | Kealing Middle AUSTIN ISD | 8.5 |
| 7 | Canyon Ridge Middle LEANDER ISD | 8.5 |
| 8 | Idea Health Professions College Preparatory Charter IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 8.4 |
| 9 | Noel Grisham Middle ROUND ROCK ISD | 8.3 |
| 10 | Lamar Middle AUSTIN ISD | 8.1 |
| 11 | Gorzycki Middle AUSTIN ISD | 7.8 |
| 12 | Four Points Middle LEANDER ISD | 7.8 |
| 13 | Basis Austin Charter BASIS TEXAS | 7.2 |
| 14 | Small Middle AUSTIN ISD | 7.2 |
| 15 | Hudson Bend Middle LAKE TRAVIS ISD | 7.1 |
| 16 | Idea Parmer Park College Preparatory Charter IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6.9 |
| 17 | O Henry Middle AUSTIN ISD | 6.8 |
| 18 | Murchison Middle AUSTIN ISD | 6.6 |
| 19 | Kipp Paseo Preparatory School Charter KIPP TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 6.5 |
| 20 | Long-view Micro School | 6.5 |
| 21 | Covington Middle AUSTIN ISD | 6.2 |
| 22 | Garcia Ymla AUSTIN ISD | 6.1 |
| 23 | Lively Middle AUSTIN ISD | 6.0 |
| 24 | Bailey Middle AUSTIN ISD | 5.6 |
| 25 | Deerpark Middle ROUND ROCK ISD | 5.6 |
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 25 Middle Schools in Austin
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Austin's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Austin
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Austin's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 43 schools spanning 30 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 Austin, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, West Ridge Middle is the top-rated middle school in Austin with a composite score of 9.5/10. 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 Austin, Texas?
Austin has 43 middle schools, including 10 charter schools. Of these, 42 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Austin?
The average composite score for Austin middle schools is 5.8/10. 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 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 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 Austin middle school rankings?
Yes. Austin has 10 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.