Best Middle Schools
in Dallas, Texas
We ranked the 68 middle schools in Dallas with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.2 and 9.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Dallas for 2026 are Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J Hay (9.7/10), Mcculloch Int (9.4/10), and Henry W Longfellow Career Exploration Academy (9.3/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 68 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Dallas?
Every middle school in Dallas 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.
Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J Hay
Dallas, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Mcculloch Int
Dallas, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Henry W Longfellow Career Exploration Academy
Dallas, TX. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J Hay
Mcculloch Int
Henry W Longfellow Career Exploration Academy
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 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 Texas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 68 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, Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J Hay is the top-rated middle school in Dallas with a composite score of 9.7/10. 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 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 6.8/10. 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 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 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.