Best Middle Schools
in Louisville, Kentucky
We ranked all 23 middle schools in Louisville. The top 23 scored between 2.1 and 8.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Kentucky education data
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
Meyzeek Middle
NATIVITY ACADEMY AT ST BONIFACE
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 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 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 | 8.3 |
| 2 | Meyzeek Middle Jefferson County | 7.8 |
| 3 | NATIVITY ACADEMY AT ST BONIFACE | 7.5 |
| 4 | Noe Middle Jefferson County | 7.1 |
| 5 | Kammerer Middle Jefferson County | 6.6 |
| 6 | Thomas Jefferson Middle Jefferson County | 6.4 |
| 7 | Newburg Middle Jefferson County | 6.3 |
| 8 | Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North Jefferson County | 6.1 |
| 9 | Crosby Middle Jefferson County | 5.8 |
| 10 | Conway Middle Jefferson County | 5.7 |
| 11 | Highland Middle Jefferson County | 5.7 |
| 12 | Barret Traditional Middle Jefferson County | 5.6 |
| 13 | Ramsey Middle Jefferson County | 5.6 |
| 14 | Westport Middle Jefferson County | 5.4 |
| 15 | Knight Middle Jefferson County | 5.4 |
| 16 | Stuart Academy Jefferson County | 5.4 |
| 17 | Lassiter Middle Jefferson County | 5.3 |
| 18 | Frederick Law Olmsted Academy South Jefferson County | 5.1 |
| 19 | Jefferson County Traditional Middle Jefferson County | 4.9 |
| 20 | Western Middle School for the Arts Jefferson County | 4.5 |
| 21 | Farnsley Middle Jefferson County | 4.5 |
| 22 | Carrithers Middle Jefferson County | 4.1 |
| 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 8.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.