Best Middle Schools
in Fresno, California
We ranked the 20 middle schools in Fresno with real test data. The top 20 scored between 4.3 and 8.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Fresno for 2026 are Granite Ridge Intermediate (8.6/10), Cooper Middle (8.4/10), and Edison Computech (8.1/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 20 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Fresno?
Every middle school in Fresno 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.
Granite Ridge Intermediate
Fresno, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Cooper Middle
Fresno, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Edison Computech
Fresno, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Fresno's middle school landscape spans 20 ranked schools, with performance clustered closer to the top than you might expect in a metro this size. The average composite score sits at 6.8 out of 10, and half of all ranked schools clear the 7-point mark — a sign of meaningful consistency across the district. Tioga Middle leads the field at 7.8/10, followed by a tight group including Rio Vista, Ahwahnee, and Scandinavian Middle, all scoring 7.5. That narrow gap between the top performers suggests families have real options without sacrificing quality. The table below lets you sort by composite score, location, and other key metrics to find the school that fits your child's needs. Use the scores as a starting point, then dig into the individual school profiles for a fuller picture.
Granite Ridge Intermediate
Cooper Middle
Edison Computech
Score Distribution
Where the top 20 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Fresno'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 California so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 20 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Granite Ridge Intermediate Clovis Unified | 8.6 |
| 2 | Cooper Middle Fresno Unified | 8.4 |
| 3 | Edison Computech Fresno Unified | 8.1 |
| 4 | Sequoia Middle Fresno Unified | 8.0 |
| 5 | Kastner Intermediate Clovis Unified | 7.6 |
| 6 | Baird Middle Fresno Unified | 7.5 |
| 7 | Tioga Middle Fresno Unified | 7.5 |
| 8 | Rio Vista Middle Central Unified | 7.4 |
| 9 | Elizabeth Terronez Middle Fresno Unified | 7.3 |
| 10 | Scandinavian Middle Fresno Unified | 7.2 |
| 11 | Yosemite Middle Fresno Unified | 7.2 |
| 12 | Rutherford B. Gaston Sr. Middle Fresno Unified | 7.2 |
| 13 | Kings Canyon Middle Fresno Unified | 7.1 |
| 14 | Ahwahnee Middle Fresno Unified | 6.8 |
| 15 | West Fresno Middle Washington Unified | 6.5 |
| 16 | EL Capitan Middle Central Unified | 6.4 |
| 17 | Tehipite Middle Fresno Unified | 6.4 |
| 18 | Tenaya Middle Fresno Unified | 6.2 |
| 19 | Glacier Point Middle Central Unified | 6.0 |
| 20 | Fort Miller Middle Fresno Unified | 4.3 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and California education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in California. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 20 Middle Schools in Fresno
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Fresno's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Fresno
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Fresno's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 21 schools spanning 30 school districts.
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 Fresno, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Granite Ridge Intermediate is the top-rated middle school in Fresno with a composite score of 8.6/10. 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 Fresno, California?
Fresno has 21 middle schools. Of these, 20 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Fresno?
The average composite score for Fresno middle schools is 7.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in California).
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 California, 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 California, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.