Best Middle Schools
in Minneapolis, Minnesota
We ranked the 19 middle schools in Minneapolis with real test data. The top 19 scored between 2.3 and 7.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Minnesota education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Minneapolis for 2026 are Banaadir Academy (7.3/10), Anthony Middle (7.2/10), and Sanford Middle (7.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 19 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Minneapolis?
Every middle school in Minneapolis 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.
Banaadir Academy
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Anthony Middle
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Sanford Middle
Minneapolis, MN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Minneapolis has 19 ranked middle schools, with composite scores ranging across a meaningful spread — the average sits at 5.5 out of 10, but the top tier pulls well above that. Banaadir Academy leads the list at 7.8, followed closely by Anthony Middle at 7.7 and Sanford Middle at 7.5. Only three schools — 16% of the ranked pool — clear the 7-point threshold, making that upper tier genuinely competitive. The table below covers all 19 schools and lets you sort by the metrics that matter most to your family. Score gaps between schools can reflect differences in academic performance, student growth, and equity measures, so it's worth looking beyond the headline number. Whether you're comparing neighborhood schools or exploring options across the city, the data here gives you a consistent baseline to work from.
Banaadir Academy
Anthony Middle
Sanford Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 19 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Minneapolis'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 Minnesota so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 19 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Banaadir Academy Charter Minnesota Transitions Charter Sch | 7.3 |
| 2 | Anthony Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 7.2 |
| 3 | Sanford Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 7.2 |
| 4 | Justice Page Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 7.0 |
| 5 | Hiawatha College Prep - Northrop Charter HIAWATHA ACADEMIES | 5.9 |
| 6 | Mn International Middle Chr School Charter Twin Cities International Schools | 5.7 |
| 7 | Anwatin Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 5.7 |
| 8 | Franklin Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 5.3 |
| 9 | Northeast Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 5.1 |
| 10 | Hennepin Schools Upper Campus Charter Hennepin Schools | 4.8 |
| 11 | Andersen Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 4.8 |
| 12 | Set Academy Middle Charter METRO SCHOOLS CHARTER | 4.6 |
| 13 | Cva Fusion Middle School (6-8) Charter CYBER VILLAGE ACADEMY | 4.5 |
| 14 | Venture Academy Middle School Charter Venture Academy | 4.4 |
| 15 | Aurora Middle School Charter AURORA CHARTER SCHOOL | 4.3 |
| 16 | Olson Middle Minneapolis Public School District | 3.9 |
| 17 | Kipp North Star Academy Charter KIPP MINNESOTA CHARTER SCHOOL | 3.5 |
| 18 | Hiawatha College Prep - Kingfield Charter HIAWATHA ACADEMIES | 3.4 |
| 19 | Friendship Academy of Arts - Interm Charter Friendship Academy of the Arts | 2.3 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Minnesota education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Minnesota. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 19 Middle Schools in Minneapolis
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Minneapolis's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Minneapolis
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Minneapolis's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Minnesota, with 19 schools spanning 31 school districts, plus 11 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Banaadir Academy is the top-rated middle school in Minneapolis with a composite score of 7.3/10. 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Minneapolis has 19 middle schools, including 11 charter schools. Of these, 19 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Minneapolis?
The average composite score for Minneapolis middle schools is 5.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Minnesota).
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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Minneapolis middle school rankings?
Yes. Minneapolis has 11 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.