Best Middle Schools
in Oakland, California
We ranked the 19 middle schools in Oakland with real test data. The top 19 scored between 4.0 and 9.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Oakland for 2026 are Downtown Charter Academy (9.6/10), Claremont Middle (9.1/10), and Edna Brewer Middle (8.4/10), 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 Oakland?
Every middle school in Oakland 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.
Downtown Charter Academy
Oakland, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Claremont Middle
Oakland, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Edna Brewer Middle
Oakland, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Downtown Charter Academy leads Oakland's 17 ranked middle schools with a 9.3/10 composite score, setting a high bar in a market where the average sits at 6.9. That gap matters: only 6 schools — 35% of the ranked field — clear the 7/10 threshold, so the difference between a good pick and a great one is meaningful here. Edna Brewer Middle (8.9) and Montera Middle (8.5) round out the top tier, with Claremont Middle (8.3) close behind. The table below lets you sort by score, location, and other key metrics to find the right fit for your family. Whether you're prioritizing academics, proximity, or school type, the spread across Oakland's middle school landscape gives families real choices — but the data also shows that strong performers are concentrated at the top.
Downtown Charter Academy
Claremont Middle
Edna Brewer Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 19 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Oakland'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 California so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 19 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downtown Charter Academy Charter Downtown Charter Academy District | 9.6 |
| 2 | Claremont Middle Oakland Unified | 9.1 |
| 3 | Edna Brewer Middle Oakland Unified | 8.4 |
| 4 | Oakland Unity Middle Charter Oakland Unity Middle District | 7.6 |
| 5 | Julia Morgan School for Girls | 7.6 |
| 6 | Aurum Preparatory Academy Charter Aurum Preparatory Academy District | 7.5 |
| 7 | Aims College Prep Middle Charter AIMS College Prep Middle District | 7.0 |
| 8 | West Oakland Middle Oakland Unified | 6.9 |
| 9 | Roosevelt Middle Oakland Unified | 6.7 |
| 10 | Aspire Centennial College Preparatory Academy Charter Aspire Centennial College Preparatory Academy District | 6.5 |
| 11 | United for Success Academy Middle Oakland Unified | 6.5 |
| 12 | Montera Middle Oakland Unified | 5.9 |
| 13 | Raskob Day School | 5.3 |
| 14 | Bret Harte Middle Oakland Unified | 5.0 |
| 15 | Elmhurst United Middle Oakland Unified | 4.9 |
| 16 | Urban Promise Academy Middle Oakland Unified | 4.6 |
| 17 | Westlake Middle Oakland Unified | 4.3 |
| 18 | Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle Charter Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle District | 4.2 |
| 19 | Frick United Academy of Language Middle Oakland Unified | 4.0 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and California education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in California. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 19 Middle Schools in Oakland
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Oakland's Top 10 Middle Schools
Aspire Centennial College Preparatory Academy
Choosing the Right Middle School in Oakland
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Oakland's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 22 schools spanning 69 school districts, plus 6 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 Oakland, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Downtown Charter Academy is the top-rated middle school in Oakland with a composite score of 9.6/10. 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 Oakland, California?
Oakland has 22 middle schools, including 6 charter schools. Of these, 19 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Oakland?
The average composite score for Oakland middle schools is 6.4/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in California).
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 California, 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 California, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Oakland middle school rankings?
Yes. Oakland has 6 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.