Best Middle Schools
in Long Beach, California
We ranked the 14 middle schools in Long Beach with real test data. The top 14 scored between 5.9 and 8.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Long Beach for 2026 are Marshall Academy of the Arts (8.3/10), Stephens Middle (7.9/10), and Helen Keller Middle (7.8/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 14 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Long Beach?
Every middle school in Long Beach 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.
Marshall Academy of the Arts
Long Beach, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Stephens Middle
Long Beach, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Helen Keller Middle
Long Beach, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
Marshall Academy of the Arts
Stephens Middle
Helen Keller 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 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 14 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marshall Academy of the Arts Long Beach Unified | 8.3 |
| 2 | Stephens Middle Long Beach Unified | 7.9 |
| 3 | Helen Keller Middle Long Beach Unified | 7.8 |
| 4 | Jefferson Leadership Academies Long Beach Unified | 7.6 |
| 5 | Hughes Middle Long Beach Unified | 7.0 |
| 6 | Lindbergh Stem Academy Long Beach Unified | 7.0 |
| 7 | Stanford Middle Long Beach Unified | 7.0 |
| 8 | Rogers Middle Long Beach Unified | 6.9 |
| 9 | Bancroft Middle Long Beach Unified | 6.6 |
| 10 | Franklin Classical Middle Long Beach Unified | 6.6 |
| 11 | Lindsey Academy Long Beach Unified | 6.2 |
| 12 | Washington Middle Long Beach Unified | 6.0 |
| 13 | Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach Charter Intellectual Virtues Academy of Long Beach District | 5.9 |
| 14 | Hamilton Middle Long Beach Unified | 5.9 |
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, Marshall Academy of the Arts is the top-rated middle school in Long Beach with a composite score of 8.3/10. 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 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 6.9/10. 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.
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.