Best Middle Schools
in Columbus, Ohio
We ranked the 31 middle schools in Columbus with real test data. The top 25 scored between 3.8 and 9.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Columbus for 2026 are Larson Middle School (9.6/10), Bexley Middle School (8.7/10), and Mccord Middle School (8.1/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 31 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Columbus?
Every middle school in Columbus 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.
Larson Middle School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Bexley Middle School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Mccord Middle School
Columbus, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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
Bexley Middle School
Mccord 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 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 Ohio so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 31 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larson Middle School Grandview Heights Schools | 9.6 |
| 2 | Bexley Middle School Bexley City | 8.7 |
| 3 | Mccord Middle School Worthington City | 8.1 |
| 4 | Midnimo Cross Cultural Middle School Charter Midnimo Cross Cultural Middle School | 7.9 |
| 5 | Summit Academy Middle School - Columbus Charter Summit Academy Middle School - Columbus | 6.4 |
| 6 | Hamilton Intermediate School Hamilton Local | 6.3 |
| 7 | Dominion Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 6.2 |
| 8 | Groveport Madison Middle School North Groveport Madison Local | 5.3 |
| 9 | World Language Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 5.2 |
| 10 | Valor Academy Inc. Charter Valor Academy Inc. | 4.9 |
| 11 | Buckeye Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.9 |
| 12 | Medina Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.9 |
| 13 | Finland Middle School South-Western City | 4.8 |
| 14 | Champion Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.7 |
| 15 | Ridgeview Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.7 |
| 16 | Sherwood Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.7 |
| 17 | Mifflin Alternative Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.6 |
| 18 | Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls Columbus City Schools District | 4.6 |
| 19 | Franklin Woods Intermediate School South-Western City | 4.6 |
| 20 | Hamilton Middle School Hamilton Local | 4.5 |
| 21 | Woodward Park Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.4 |
| 22 | Horizon Science Academy Columbus Middle School Charter Horizon Science Academy Columbus Middle School | 4.1 |
| 23 | Columbus Africentric Early College Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 4.0 |
| 24 | Wedgewood Middle School Columbus City Schools District | 3.9 |
| 25 | Arts Impact Middle School (aims) Columbus City Schools District | 3.8 |
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 9.6/10. 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 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 5.0/10. 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 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 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.