Best Middle Schools
in Columbus, Ohio
We ranked all 31 middle schools in Columbus. The top 25 scored between 5.0 and 9.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
Columbus ranks 31 middle schools across its metro area, and the data reveals a wide gap between the top performers and the pack. Larson Middle School leads at 9.1 out of 10, sitting well above the average composite score of 5.9 — a spread that signals meaningful differences in outcomes depending on where a student enrolls. Only 3 schools, or about 10% of those ranked, clear the 7-out-of-10 mark, making the upper tier genuinely competitive. McCord and Bexley Middle Schools follow Larson in the standings, with Yorktown and Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys rounding out the top five. The table below lets you sort by the metrics that matter most to your family — academic performance, school type, or enrollment size. Use it to cut through the noise and focus on the schools that fit your priorities.
Larson Middle School
Mccord Middle School
Bexley Middle School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Columbus'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 Ohio so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larson Middle School Grandview Heights Schools | 9.1 |
| 2 | Mccord Middle School Worthington City | 8.2 |
| 3 | Bexley Middle School Bexley City | 7.9 |
| 4 | Yorktown Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.9 |
| 5 | Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys Columbus City Schools District | 6.9 |
| 6 | Hilltonia Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.8 |
| 7 | Johnson Park Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.8 |
| 8 | Midnimo Cross Cultural Middle School Charter Midnimo Cross Cultural Middle School | 6.6 |
| 9 | Medina Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.5 |
| 10 | Dominion Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.3 |
| 11 | World Language Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.3 |
| 12 | Sherwood Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.2 |
| 13 | Finland Middle School South-Western City | 6.2 |
| 14 | Woodward Park Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.1 |
| 15 | Champion Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.9 |
| 16 | Buckeye Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.8 |
| 17 | Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls Columbus City Schools District | 5.7 |
| 18 | Ridgeview Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.6 |
| 19 | Wedgewood Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.6 |
| 20 | Hamilton Middle School Hamilton Local | 5.6 |
| 21 | Mifflin Alternative Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.4 |
| 22 | Arts Impact Middle School (Aims) Columbus City Schools District | 5.3 |
| 23 | Columbus Africentric Early College Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.3 |
| 24 | Norton Middle School South-Western City | 5.1 |
| 25 | Westmoor Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.0 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Ohio education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Ohio. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Columbus
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Columbus's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Columbus
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Columbus's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Ohio, with 31 schools spanning 84 school districts, plus 4 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 Columbus, Ohio?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Larson Middle School is the top-rated middle school in Columbus with a composite score of 9.1/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Columbus, Ohio?
Columbus has 31 middle schools, including 4 charter schools. Of these, 31 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Columbus?
The average composite score for Columbus middle schools is 5.9/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Ohio).
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 Ohio, 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 Ohio, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Columbus middle school rankings?
Yes. Columbus has 4 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.