Best Middle Schools
in Chicago, Illinois
We ranked all 18 middle schools in Chicago. The top 17 scored between 4.2 and 8.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Illinois education data
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 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 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 | Evergreen Academy Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.0 |
| 3 | ST THERESE SCHOOL WEST | 7.7 |
| 4 | Hernandez Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 7.5 |
| 5 | Field Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 7.4 |
| 6 | LEARN Chtr - Middle School Charter Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 7.2 |
| 7 | HYDE PARK DAY SCHOOL | 7.2 |
| 8 | Albany Park Multicultural Elem Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 7.1 |
| 9 | NORTHSIDE CATHOLIC ACADEMY | 7.1 |
| 10 | Gary Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 7.0 |
| 11 | Northwest Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 6.9 |
| 12 | Shields Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 6.9 |
| 13 | Richardson Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 6.9 |
| 14 | ALTUS ACADEMY | 6.9 |
| 15 | Madero Middle School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 6.6 |
| 16 | SAN MIGUEL SCHOOL | 5.9 |
| 17 | ASPIRA Charter - Haugan Campus Charter Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 4.2 |
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 is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 7.0/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.