Best Middle Schools
in Oakland, California
We ranked all 22 middle schools in Oakland. The top 19 scored between 4.0 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
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
Edna Brewer Middle
Montera 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 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 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 | 9.3 |
| 2 | Edna Brewer Middle Oakland Unified | 8.9 |
| 3 | Montera Middle Oakland Unified | 8.5 |
| 4 | Claremont Middle Oakland Unified | 8.3 |
| 5 | JULIA MORGAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS | 7.6 |
| 6 | Oakland Unity Middle Charter Oakland Unity Middle District | 7.3 |
| 7 | Aurum Preparatory Academy Charter Aurum Preparatory Academy District | 7.2 |
| 8 | West Oakland Middle Oakland Unified | 6.9 |
| 9 | Bret Harte Middle Oakland Unified | 6.8 |
| 10 | Westlake Middle Oakland Unified | 6.8 |
| 11 | Elmhurst United Middle Oakland Unified | 6.8 |
| 12 | United for Success Academy Middle Oakland Unified | 6.6 |
| 13 | AIMS College Prep Middle Charter AIMS College Prep Middle District | 6.4 |
| 14 | Aspire Centennial College Preparatory Academy Charter Aspire Centennial College Preparatory Academy District | 6.3 |
| 15 | Roosevelt Middle Oakland Unified | 6.1 |
| 16 | Frick United Academy of Language Middle Oakland Unified | 5.3 |
| 17 | RASKOB DAY SCHOOL | 5.3 |
| 18 | Urban Promise Academy Middle Oakland Unified | 5.2 |
| 19 | Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle Charter Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle District | 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
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 9.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.8/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.