Best Middle Schools
in Mesa, Arizona
We ranked all 14 middle schools in Mesa. The top 13 scored between 4.7 and 7.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
Mesa has 13 ranked middle schools, with scores ranging from the mid-4s to a high of 7.8 out of 10. Only one school clears the 7-point mark — Highland Jr. High, the top performer in the city — which tells you the upper tier is competitive but thin. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 6.2, meaning most options land in solidly middle ground rather than at the extremes. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to find the best fit for your student. Stapley, Smith, Franklin, and Desert Ridge Jr. High round out the top five, clustered within a point of each other between 6.6 and 6.9. That tight grouping near the top suggests meaningful differences may show up in factors beyond the composite score — use the table to dig into what matters most to your family.
Highland Jr High School
Stapley Junior High School
Smith Junior High School
Score Distribution
Where the top 13 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Mesa'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 Arizona so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 13 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland Jr High School Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 7.8 |
| 2 | Stapley Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.9 |
| 3 | Smith Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.8 |
| 4 | Franklin Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.7 |
| 5 | Desert Ridge Jr. High Gilbert Unified District (4239) | 6.6 |
| 6 | Poston Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.5 |
| 7 | Rhodes Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.4 |
| 8 | Fremont Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.2 |
| 9 | Shepherd Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 6.0 |
| 10 | Taylor Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 5.8 |
| 11 | ASU Preparatory Academy-Polytechnic Middle School Charter ASU Preparatory Academy (92327) | 5.6 |
| 12 | Kino Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 5.0 |
| 13 | Carson Junior High School Mesa Unified District (4235) | 4.7 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Arizona education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Arizona. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 13 Middle Schools in Mesa
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Mesa's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Mesa
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Mesa's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Arizona, with 14 schools spanning 42 school districts, plus 2 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 Mesa, Arizona?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Highland Jr High School is the top-rated middle school in Mesa with a composite score of 7.8/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Mesa, Arizona?
Mesa has 14 middle schools, including 2 charter schools. Of these, 13 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Mesa?
The average composite score for Mesa middle schools is 6.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Arizona).
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 Arizona, 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 Arizona, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Mesa middle school rankings?
Yes. Mesa has 2 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.