Best Middle Schools
in Memphis, Tennessee
We ranked the 35 middle schools in Memphis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 3.8 and 9.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Tennessee education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Memphis for 2026 are University Middle (9.8/10), Maxine Smith Steam Academy (7.8/10), and White Station Middle (7.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 35 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Memphis?
Every middle school in Memphis 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.
University Middle
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Maxine Smith Steam Academy
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
White Station Middle
Memphis, TN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Memphis ranks 35 middle schools across a metro where performance varies sharply — the average composite score sits at 5.0/10, but University Middle reaches 9.8/10, the highest mark in this pool. That gap signals meaningful differences in academics, climate, and outcomes depending on where a student enrolls. Only five schools, or 14% of the ranked list, clear the 7.0 threshold: University Middle, Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School, Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, KIPP Memphis Collegiate Middle, and Craigmont Middle. Charter schools hold a notable presence among those top performers. The table below lets you sort by overall score, individual metrics, or school type so you can zero in on what matters most for your family. Use the scores as a starting point, then dig into the detail pages for a fuller picture of each school.
University Middle
Maxine Smith Steam Academy
White Station Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Memphis'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 Tennessee so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 35 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 9.8 |
| 2 | Maxine Smith Steam Academy Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.8 |
| 3 | White Station Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.7 |
| 4 | Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.7 |
| 5 | City University School Girls Preparatory Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 7.4 |
| 6 | Kipp Memphis Collegiate Middle Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 6.9 |
| 7 | Craigmont Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 6.3 |
| 8 | Raleigh Egypt Middle School Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.7 |
| 9 | Kingsbury Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.3 |
| 10 | Power Center Academy Middle - Southeast Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 5.1 |
| 11 | Wooddale Middle School Charter Achievement School District | 4.9 |
| 12 | Memphis Scholars Raleigh-egypt Charter Achievement School District | 4.8 |
| 13 | Grandview Heights Middle School Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.8 |
| 14 | Memphis Business Academy Middle Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.7 |
| 15 | Veritas College Preparatory Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.7 |
| 16 | Highland Oaks Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.6 |
| 17 | Memphis Business Academy Hickory Hill Middle School Charter Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.5 |
| 18 | Humes Preparatory Academy Middle School Charter Achievement School District | 4.4 |
| 19 | Colonial Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.4 |
| 20 | Havenview Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.3 |
| 21 | Kirby Middle School Charter Achievement School District | 4.2 |
| 22 | Ridgeway Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.1 |
| 23 | Oakhaven Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 4.0 |
| 24 | A. Maceo Walker Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 3.9 |
| 25 | Sherwood Middle Memphis-Shelby County Schools | 3.8 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Tennessee education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Tennessee. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Memphis
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Memphis's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Memphis
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Memphis's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Tennessee, with 36 schools spanning 3 school districts, plus 14 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 Memphis, Tennessee?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, University Middle is the top-rated middle school in Memphis with a composite score of 9.8/10. 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 Memphis, Tennessee?
Memphis has 36 middle schools, including 14 charter schools. Of these, 35 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Memphis?
The average composite score for Memphis middle schools is 4.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Tennessee).
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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Memphis middle school rankings?
Yes. Memphis has 14 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.