Best Middle Schools
in Denver, Colorado
We ranked the 33 middle schools in Denver with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.3 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Colorado education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Denver for 2026 are Denver Green School Northfield (9.3/10), Girls Athletic Leadership School Middle School (9.1/10), and Dsst: Cedar Middle School (9.0/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 33 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Denver?
Every middle school in Denver 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.
Denver Green School Northfield
Denver, CO. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Girls Athletic Leadership School Middle School
Denver, CO. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Dsst: Cedar Middle School
Denver, CO. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Denver's 33 ranked middle schools span a wide range of performance, with composite scores running from well below average up to Denver Green School Northfield's leading 8.9 out of 10. That spread matters: 13 schools — about 39% of the ranked pool — clear the 7-out-of-10 mark, while the metro average sits at 6.4, meaning strong options exist but require some digging. The top of the list shows real variety. Girls Athletic Leadership School Middle School earns an 8.7, Morey Middle School follows at 8.4, and Merrill and Skinner round out the top five above 8.0. Whether you're prioritizing academics, environment, or fit for a specific learner, the table below lets you sort by the metrics that matter most to your family. Use the scores as a starting point, then dig into individual school profiles before making a final call.
Denver Green School Northfield
Girls Athletic Leadership School Middle School
Dsst: Cedar Middle School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Denver'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 Colorado so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 33 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver Green School Northfield School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 9.3 |
| 2 | Girls Athletic Leadership School Middle School Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 9.1 |
| 3 | Dsst: Cedar Middle School Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 9.0 |
| 4 | Mcauliffe International School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 8.8 |
| 5 | Merrill Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 8.7 |
| 6 | Morey Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 8.5 |
| 7 | Skinner Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 8.2 |
| 8 | Kipp Northeast Denver Middle School Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 8.0 |
| 9 | Dsst: Green Valley Ranch Middle School Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 7.9 |
| 10 | Dsst: Conservatory Green Middle School Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 7.6 |
| 11 | Bear Valley International School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 7.6 |
| 12 | Grant Beacon Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 7.4 |
| 13 | Dsst: College View Middle School Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 7.4 |
| 14 | Colorado Skies Academy Charter Cherry Creek School District No. 5 in the county of Arapah | 6.9 |
| 15 | Kepner Beacon Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 6.8 |
| 16 | Lake Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 6.7 |
| 17 | Mcauliffe Manual Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 6.5 |
| 18 | Rocky Mountain Prep Green Valley Ranch Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 6.4 |
| 19 | Dsst: Montview Middle School Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 6.4 |
| 20 | Compass Academy Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 5.9 |
| 21 | Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 5.8 |
| 22 | Global Intermediate Academy Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | 5.8 |
| 23 | West Middle School School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 5.5 |
| 24 | Fort Logan Northgate Sheridan School District No. 2 | 5.4 |
| 25 | Rocky Mountain Prep Sunnyside Charter School District No. 1 in the county of Denver and State of C | 5.3 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Colorado education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Colorado. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Denver
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Denver's Top 10 Middle Schools
Denver Green School Northfield
Girls Athletic Leadership School Middle School
Mcauliffe International School
Kipp Northeast Denver Middle School
Dsst: Green Valley Ranch Middle School
Dsst: Conservatory Green Middle School
Choosing the Right Middle School in Denver
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Denver's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Colorado, with 34 schools spanning 10 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 Denver, Colorado?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Denver Green School Northfield is the top-rated middle school in Denver with a composite score of 9.3/10. 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 Denver, Colorado?
Denver has 34 middle schools, including 17 charter schools. Of these, 33 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Denver?
The average composite score for Denver middle schools is 6.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Colorado).
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 Colorado, 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 Colorado, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Denver middle school rankings?
Yes. Denver has 17 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.