Best Middle Schools
in Chicago, Illinois
We ranked the 17 middle schools in Chicago with real test data. The top 17 scored between 4.7 and 8.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Illinois education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Chicago for 2026 are Chicago Jesuit Academy (8.1/10), St Therese School West (7.7/10), and Richardson Middle School (7.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 17 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Chicago?
Every middle school in Chicago 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.
Chicago Jesuit Academy
Chicago, IL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
St Therese School West
Chicago, IL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Richardson Middle School
Chicago, IL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Chicago's middle school landscape spans 11 ranked schools, with scores ranging from the mid-6s up to Evergreen Academy Elementary School's leading 8.0 out of 10. That top mark stands notably above the field — the average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 6.9, meaning Evergreen outpaces the norm by more than a full point. The encouraging news for families: more than half of the ranked schools clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold, with 6 of 11 hitting that mark. Hernandez Middle School and Field Elementary School follow close behind the top performer at 7.5 and 7.4 respectively, giving families several strong options to consider. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors that matter most to your family. Each column is clickable, so you can quickly cut through the full list and zero in on the schools that fit.
Score Distribution
Where the top 17 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Chicago'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 Illinois so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 17 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Jesuit Academy | 8.1 |
| 2 | St Therese School West | 7.7 |
| 3 | Richardson Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 7.5 |
| 4 | Hyde Park Day School | 7.2 |
| 5 | Northside Catholic Academy | 7.1 |
| 6 | Gary Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 7.0 |
| 7 | Altus Academy | 6.9 |
| 8 | Evergreen Academy Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 6.6 |
| 9 | Shields Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 6.5 |
| 10 | Learn Chtr - Middle School Charter Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 6.5 |
| 11 | Field Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 5.9 |
| 12 | San Miguel School | 5.9 |
| 13 | Albany Park Multicultural Elem Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 5.7 |
| 14 | Aspira Charter - Haugan Campus Charter Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 5.3 |
| 15 | Hernandez Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 5.1 |
| 16 | Northwest Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 4.7 |
| 17 | Madero Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 4.7 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Illinois education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Illinois. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 17 Middle Schools in Chicago
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Chicago's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Chicago
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Chicago's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Illinois, with 18 schools spanning 10 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 Chicago, Illinois?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Chicago Jesuit Academy is the top-rated middle school in Chicago with a composite score of 8.1/10. 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 Chicago, Illinois?
Chicago has 18 middle schools, including 2 charter schools. Of these, 17 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Chicago?
The average composite score for Chicago middle schools is 6.4/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Illinois).
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 Illinois, 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 Illinois, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Chicago middle school rankings?
Yes. Chicago has 2 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.