Best Middle Schools
in Raleigh, North Carolina
We ranked the 19 middle schools in Raleigh with real test data. The top 19 scored between 3.5 and 9.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and North Carolina education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Raleigh for 2026 are Magellan Charter (9.1/10), Moore Square Middle (9.1/10), and An-noor School (8.6/10), 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 Raleigh?
Every middle school in Raleigh 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.
Magellan Charter
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Moore Square Middle
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
An-noor School
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Moore Square Middle leads Raleigh's ranked middle schools with a composite score of 8.7/10, sitting well above the group average of 6.2/10. That gap matters when you're comparing options across the metro. Eighteen middle schools earned rankings here, spanning a range of neighborhoods, program structures, and student outcomes. Only five of those 18 schools — about 28% — score 7.0 or higher, so the field thins quickly once you move past the top tier. West Millbrook Middle (7.8), Carnage Middle (7.6), Leesville Road Middle (7.1), and Oberlin Middle (7.0) round out that upper band. The table below lets you sort by the metrics that matter most to your family — whether that's academic performance, growth scores, or something else. Use the scores as a starting point, then dig into the individual school profiles to get the full picture.
Score Distribution
Where the top 19 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Raleigh'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 North Carolina so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 19 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magellan Charter Charter Magellan Charter | 9.1 |
| 2 | Moore Square Middle Wake County Schools | 9.1 |
| 3 | An-noor School | 8.6 |
| 4 | Carnage Middle Wake County Schools | 8.5 |
| 5 | Oberlin Middle Wake County Schools | 7.8 |
| 6 | Martin Middle Wake County Schools | 7.8 |
| 7 | Ligon Middle Wake County Schools | 7.7 |
| 8 | Leesville Road Middle Wake County Schools | 7.7 |
| 9 | Pine Hollow Middle Wake County Schools | 7.7 |
| 10 | West Millbrook Middle Wake County Schools | 7.1 |
| 11 | Wakefield Middle Wake County Schools | 6.7 |
| 12 | Carroll Middle Wake County Schools | 5.9 |
| 13 | River Bend Middle Wake County Schools | 5.9 |
| 14 | Dillard Drive Middle Wake County Schools | 5.2 |
| 15 | Durant Road Middle Wake County Schools | 4.6 |
| 16 | East Millbrook Middle Wake County Schools | 4.3 |
| 17 | River Oaks Middle Wake County Schools | 4.0 |
| 18 | Centennial Campus Middle Wake County Schools | 3.6 |
| 19 | Neuse River Middle Wake County Schools | 3.5 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and North Carolina education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in North Carolina. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 19 Middle Schools in Raleigh
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Raleigh's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Raleigh
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Raleigh's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in North Carolina, with 19 schools spanning 13 school districts, plus 1 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 Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Magellan Charter is the top-rated middle school in Raleigh with a composite score of 9.1/10. 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 Raleigh, North Carolina?
Raleigh has 19 middle schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 19 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Raleigh?
The average composite score for Raleigh middle schools is 6.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in North Carolina).
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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Raleigh middle school rankings?
Yes. Raleigh has 1 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.