Best Middle Schools
in Dallas, Texas
We ranked all 70 middle schools in Dallas. The top 25 scored between 6.9 and 8.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
Dallas has 68 ranked middle schools, giving families a wide range of options across the metro. Judge Louis A. Bedford Jr. Law Academy leads the pack with an 8.9 out of 10, followed closely by St. Anthony School at 8.8 and Francisco Pancho Medrano J.H. at 8.6. The metro's average composite score sits at 6.2 out of 10, so strong performers stand out clearly from the field. Quality is more concentrated at the top than spread evenly across the board — 23 schools, about a third of those ranked, score 7 or higher. The table below lets you sort by overall score, location, and other key metrics to find schools that fit your priorities. Whether you're focused on academics, proximity, or specific program types, the data gives you a direct way to compare your options side by side.
JUDGE LOUIS A BEDFORD JR LAW ACADEMY
ST ANTHONY SCHOOL
FRANCISCO PANCHO MEDRANO J H
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Dallas'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 Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
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 Dallas
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Dallas's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Dallas
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Dallas's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 70 schools spanning 35 school districts, plus 17 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 Dallas, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, JUDGE LOUIS A BEDFORD JR LAW ACADEMY is the top-rated middle school in Dallas with a composite score of 8.9/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Dallas, Texas?
Dallas has 70 middle schools, including 17 charter schools. Of these, 69 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Dallas?
The average composite score for Dallas middle schools is 6.2/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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 Dallas middle school rankings?
Yes. Dallas has 17 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.