Best Middle Schools
in Long Beach, California
We ranked all 14 middle schools in Long Beach. The top 14 scored between 3.9 and 8.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
Stephens Middle leads Long Beach's 14 ranked middle schools with a composite score of 8.8/10 — a full 2.8 points above the city's average of 6.0. That gap reflects real variation across the district, giving families meaningful choices depending on their priorities and location. Only three schools clear the 7.0 threshold, making that upper tier genuinely competitive. Lindbergh STEM Academy (7.6) and Stanford Middle (7.3) round out the top three, while Jefferson Leadership Academies and Marshall Academy of the Arts each hold at 6.2 — right at the city average. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the right fit. Whether you're zoned for a specific neighborhood or weighing open-enrollment options, the data gives you a clear starting point for comparing what Long Beach middle schools actually deliver.
Stephens Middle
Lindbergh STEM Academy
Stanford Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 14 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Long Beach'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 California so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 14 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephens Middle Long Beach Unified | 8.8 |
| 2 | Lindbergh STEM Academy Long Beach Unified | 7.6 |
| 3 | Stanford Middle Long Beach Unified | 7.3 |
| 4 | Jefferson Leadership Academies Long Beach Unified | 6.2 |
| 5 | Marshall Academy of the Arts Long Beach Unified | 6.2 |
| 6 | Lindsey Academy Long Beach Unified | 6.2 |
| 7 | Helen Keller Middle Long Beach Unified | 6.1 |
| 8 | Hughes Middle Long Beach Unified | 5.6 |
| 9 | Franklin Classical Middle Long Beach Unified | 5.5 |
| 10 | Bancroft Middle Long Beach Unified | 5.4 |
| 11 | Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach Charter Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach District | 5.3 |
| 12 | Hamilton Middle Long Beach Unified | 5.3 |
| 13 | Rogers Middle Long Beach Unified | 5.0 |
| 14 | Washington Middle Long Beach Unified | 3.9 |
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 14 Middle Schools in Long Beach
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Long Beach's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Long Beach
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Long Beach's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 14 schools spanning 9 school districts, plus 1 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 Long Beach, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Stephens Middle is the top-rated middle school in Long Beach with a composite score of 8.8/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Long Beach, California?
Long Beach has 14 middle schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 14 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Long Beach?
The average composite score for Long Beach middle schools is 6.0/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.
Are charter schools included in the Long Beach middle school rankings?
Yes. Long Beach has 1 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.