Best Middle Schools
in Louisville, Kentucky
We ranked the 23 middle schools in Louisville with real test data. The top 23 scored between 2.1 and 8.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Kentucky education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Louisville for 2026 are Grace M. James Academy of Excellence (8.9/10), Noe Middle (7.9/10), and Western Middle School for the Arts (7.8/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 23 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Louisville?
Every middle school in Louisville 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.
Grace M. James Academy of Excellence
Louisville, KY. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Noe Middle
Louisville, KY. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Western Middle School for the Arts
Louisville, KY. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Louisville's middle school landscape spans 22 ranked schools, with performance varying considerably across the metro. Grace M. James Academy of Excellence leads the field at 8.3 out of 10, followed by Meyzeek Middle at 7.8 and Noe Middle at 7.1 — making them the three schools that clear the 7-point threshold, a bar only 14% of ranked schools reach. The average composite score across all 22 schools sits at 5.6 out of 10, which means strong options exist but require careful comparison. Scores, student-teacher ratios, and other key metrics in the table below can be sorted to match your priorities. Whether you're weighing academics, proximity, or school size, the data gives you a direct look at how each school stacks up — without the guesswork.
Grace M. James Academy of Excellence
Noe Middle
Western Middle School for the Arts
Score Distribution
Where the top 23 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Louisville'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 Kentucky so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 23 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grace M. James Academy of Excellence Jefferson County | 8.9 |
| 2 | Noe Middle Jefferson County | 7.9 |
| 3 | Western Middle School for the Arts Jefferson County | 7.8 |
| 4 | Barret Traditional Middle Jefferson County | 7.6 |
| 5 | Nativity Academy at St Boniface | 7.5 |
| 6 | Westport Middle Jefferson County | 6.9 |
| 7 | Meyzeek Middle Jefferson County | 6.8 |
| 8 | Kammerer Middle Jefferson County | 6.1 |
| 9 | Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North Jefferson County | 6.0 |
| 10 | Crosby Middle Jefferson County | 5.8 |
| 11 | Knight Middle Jefferson County | 5.8 |
| 12 | Lassiter Middle Jefferson County | 5.7 |
| 13 | Jefferson County Traditional Middle Jefferson County | 5.4 |
| 14 | Frederick Law Olmsted Academy South Jefferson County | 5.4 |
| 15 | Highland Middle Jefferson County | 5.3 |
| 16 | Newburg Middle Jefferson County | 5.2 |
| 17 | Ramsey Middle Jefferson County | 4.9 |
| 18 | Thomas Jefferson Middle Jefferson County | 4.6 |
| 19 | Carrithers Middle Jefferson County | 4.3 |
| 20 | Farnsley Middle Jefferson County | 4.1 |
| 21 | Stuart Academy Jefferson County | 3.7 |
| 22 | Conway Middle Jefferson County | 3.2 |
| 23 | Johnson Traditional Middle Jefferson County | 2.1 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Kentucky education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Kentucky. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 23 Middle Schools in Louisville
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Louisville's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Louisville
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Louisville's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Kentucky, with 23 schools spanning 3 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 Louisville, Kentucky?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Grace M. James Academy of Excellence is the top-rated middle school in Louisville with a composite score of 8.9/10. 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 Louisville, Kentucky?
Louisville has 23 middle schools. Of these, 23 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Louisville?
The average composite score for Louisville middle schools is 5.7/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Kentucky).
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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.