Best Middle Schools
in Houston, Texas
We ranked all 146 middle schools in Houston. The top 25 scored between 6.7 and 8.2 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Texas education data
Houston's middle school landscape spans 141 ranked schools, giving families real choices — but also real variation. The average composite score across the metro sits at 5.6/10, meaning the gap between a typical school and a top performer is significant. Cornerstone Academy leads the field at 8.2/10, followed closely by Killough Middle at 8.1 and Spring Oaks Middle at 7.9. Only 17 schools — about 12% of the total — score 7 or above, so that tier is genuinely competitive to reach. The table below lets you sort by overall score, test performance, and other key metrics to find the schools that match what matters most to your family. Whether you're weighing a neighborhood school against a magnet option or comparing districts across the metro, the data gives you a consistent baseline to work from.
CORNERSTONE ACADEMY
KILLOUGH MIDDLE
SPRING OAKS MIDDLE
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Houston'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
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CORNERSTONE ACADEMY Charter SPRING BRANCH ISD | 8.2 |
| 2 | KILLOUGH MIDDLE ALIEF ISD | 8.1 |
| 3 | SPRING OAKS MIDDLE SPRING BRANCH ISD | 7.9 |
| 4 | WOODCREEK MIDDLE HUMBLE ISD | 7.5 |
| 5 | CAMPBELL MIDDLE CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 7.4 |
| 6 | DEAN MIDDLE CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 7.3 |
| 7 | WOODLAND ACRES MIDDLE GALENA PARK ISD | 7.3 |
| 8 | LANIER MIDDLE HOUSTON ISD | 7.3 |
| 9 | MAYDE CREEK J H KATY ISD | 7.3 |
| 10 | MORRIS MIDDLE PASADENA ISD | 7.3 |
| 11 | MEMORIAL MIDDLE SPRING BRANCH ISD | 7.3 |
| 12 | SPRING BRANCH MIDDLE SPRING BRANCH ISD | 7.3 |
| 13 | LABAY MIDDLE CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 7.2 |
| 14 | SPRING WOODS MIDDLE SPRING BRANCH ISD | 7.2 |
| 15 | VILLAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL | 7.2 |
| 16 | A+ UNLIMITED POTENTIAL - UNIVERSITY Charter A+ UNLIMITED POTENTIAL | 7.1 |
| 17 | YELLOWSTONE COLLEGE PREPARATORY Charter YELLOWSTONE COLLEGE PREPARATORY | 7.1 |
| 18 | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE BIOTECH ACADEMY AT RUSK HOUSTON ISD | 7.1 |
| 19 | YOUNG WOMENS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ALDINE ISD | 6.9 |
| 20 | WATKINS MIDDLE CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 6.9 |
| 21 | ATTUCKS MIDDLE HOUSTON ISD | 6.9 |
| 22 | LAWSON MIDDLE HOUSTON ISD | 6.9 |
| 23 | TRUITT MIDDLE CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 6.8 |
| 24 | KAHLA MIDDLE CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 6.8 |
| 25 | COOK MIDDLE CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD | 6.7 |
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 Houston
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Houston's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Houston
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Houston's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Texas, with 146 schools spanning 55 school districts, plus 33 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 Houston, Texas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, CORNERSTONE ACADEMY is the top-rated middle school in Houston with a composite score of 8.2/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Houston, Texas?
Houston has 146 middle schools, including 33 charter schools. Of these, 143 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Houston?
The average composite score for Houston middle schools is 5.6/10. 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 Houston middle school rankings?
Yes. Houston has 33 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.