Best Middle Schools
in Phoenix, Arizona
We ranked the 45 middle schools in Phoenix with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.8 and 7.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Phoenix for 2026 are Ingleside Middle School (7.9/10), Imagine East Mesa Middle (7.7/10), and Mission Montessori Academy's Middle Years Program (7.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 45 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Phoenix?
Every middle school in Phoenix 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.
Ingleside Middle School
Phoenix, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Imagine East Mesa Middle
Phoenix, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Mission Montessori Academy's Middle Years Program
Phoenix, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Phoenix's middle school landscape spans 46 ranked schools, with performance ranging considerably across the metro. Desert Foothills Middle School leads the field at 7.8 out of 10, followed closely by Imagine East Mesa Middle and Explorer Middle School. Only 6 schools — 13% of the ranked pool — clear the 7-point mark, which makes that upper tier a meaningful filter for families prioritizing academics. The average composite score sits at 5.9 out of 10, a reminder that school quality varies sharply depending on neighborhood and district. Phoenix draws from a mix of traditional district schools and charter options, so sorting by score, school type, or location in the table below can quickly surface which campuses align with what you're looking for. Whether you're zoned to a specific area or have flexibility to choose, the data gives you a direct side-by-side comparison to work from.
Ingleside Middle School
Imagine East Mesa Middle
Mission Montessori Academy's Middle Years Program
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Phoenix'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 Arizona so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 45 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ingleside Middle School Scottsdale Unified District (4240) | 7.9 |
| 2 | Imagine East Mesa Middle Charter Imagine Middle at East Mesa Inc. (88369) | 7.7 |
| 3 | Mission Montessori Academy's Middle Years Program Charter The Farm at Mission Montessori Academy (91340) | 7.7 |
| 4 | Explorer Middle School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 7.5 |
| 5 | Kyrene Altadena Middle School Kyrene Elementary District (4267) | 7.2 |
| 6 | Vista College Prep Sueno Park Charter Vista College Preparatory Inc. (91948) | 7.0 |
| 7 | Imagine Surprise Middle Charter Imagine Middle at Surprise Inc. (88372) | 6.7 |
| 8 | Desert Foothills Middle School Washington Elementary School District (4260) | 6.5 |
| 9 | Madison Meadows School Madison Elementary District (4270) | 6.3 |
| 10 | Mountain Trail Middle School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 6.2 |
| 11 | Madison #1 Elementary School Madison Elementary District (4270) | 6.0 |
| 12 | Cholla Middle School Washington Elementary School District (4260) | 6.0 |
| 13 | Mountain Sky Middle School Washington Elementary School District (4260) | 6.0 |
| 14 | Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School Kyrene Elementary District (4267) | 5.9 |
| 15 | Maricopa Institute of Technology (mit) Riverside Elementary District (4257) | 5.8 |
| 16 | Royal Palm Middle School Washington Elementary School District (4260) | 5.8 |
| 17 | Asu Preparatory Academy - Phoenix Middle School Charter ASU Preparatory Academy (92325) | 5.7 |
| 18 | Kings Ridge School Riverside Elementary District (4257) | 5.6 |
| 19 | Marc T. Atkinson Middle School & Gifted Academy Cartwright Elementary District (4282) | 5.4 |
| 20 | Madison Park School Madison Elementary District (4270) | 5.4 |
| 21 | South Pointe Junior High School Charter Kaizen Education Foundation dba South Pointe Junio (78965) | 5.3 |
| 22 | Palomino Intermediate School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 5.2 |
| 23 | Shea Middle School Paradise Valley Unified District (4241) | 5.1 |
| 24 | Palo Verde Middle School Washington Elementary School District (4260) | 5.0 |
| 25 | South Valley Prep and Arts School Charter South Valley Academy Inc. (90540) | 4.8 |
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 25 Middle Schools in Phoenix
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Phoenix's Top 10 Middle Schools
Mission Montessori Academy's Middle Years Program
Choosing the Right Middle School in Phoenix
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Phoenix's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Arizona, with 47 schools spanning 178 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 Phoenix, Arizona?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Ingleside Middle School is the top-rated middle school in Phoenix with a composite score of 7.9/10. 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 Phoenix, Arizona?
Phoenix has 47 middle schools, including 11 charter schools. Of these, 46 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Phoenix?
The average composite score for Phoenix middle schools is 5.2/10. 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 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 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 Phoenix middle school rankings?
Yes. Phoenix has 11 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.