Best Middle Schools
in Sacramento, California
We ranked all 21 middle schools in Sacramento. The top 20 scored between 3.6 and 7.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
Sacramento's middle school landscape spans 19 ranked schools, with performance ranging considerably across the metro. At the top, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle and Will C. Wood Middle share the lead at 7.4 out of 10, followed closely by Miwok Middle at 7.3. Only 4 schools — 21% of the ranked pool — clear the 7-point mark, which makes that threshold a useful filter when comparing options. The average composite score across Sacramento middle schools sits at 5.5 out of 10, signaling real variation between the strongest and most typical performers. That gap matters for families: a school a few miles away can look very different in the data. Use the table below to sort by score, location, or other factors to find the middle schools that align with what your student needs.
Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle
Will C. Wood Middle
Miwok Middle
Score Distribution
Where the top 20 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Sacramento'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 20 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle Charter Natomas Unified | 7.4 |
| 2 | Will C. Wood Middle Sacramento City Unified | 7.4 |
| 3 | Miwok Middle Sacramento City Unified | 7.3 |
| 4 | California Middle Sacramento City Unified | 7.0 |
| 5 | James Rutter Middle Elk Grove Unified | 6.4 |
| 6 | Norwood Junior High Twin Rivers Unified | 6.3 |
| 7 | Fern Bacon Middle Sacramento City Unified | 6.3 |
| 8 | T. R. Smedberg Middle Elk Grove Unified | 5.5 |
| 9 | Natomas Middle Natomas Unified | 5.2 |
| 10 | Rio Tierra Junior High Twin Rivers Unified | 5.2 |
| 11 | Arden Middle San Juan Unified | 5.2 |
| 12 | Foothill Ranch Middle Twin Rivers Unified | 5.0 |
| 13 | Sam Brannan Middle Sacramento City Unified | 4.7 |
| 14 | Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy Twin Rivers Unified | 4.6 |
| 15 | Cesar Chavez Intermediate Sacramento City Unified | 4.6 |
| 16 | Samuel Jackman Middle Elk Grove Unified | 4.5 |
| 17 | Albert Einstein Middle Sacramento City Unified | 3.9 |
| 18 | Arcade Fundamental Middle San Juan Unified | 3.8 |
| 19 | Katherine Johnson Middle San Juan Unified | 3.6 |
| 20 | 6900 WEST 4TH STREET | 3.6 |
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 20 Middle Schools in Sacramento
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Sacramento's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Sacramento
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Sacramento's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in California, with 21 schools spanning 32 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 Sacramento, California?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle is the top-rated middle school in Sacramento with a composite score of 7.4/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Sacramento, California?
Sacramento has 21 middle schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 20 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Sacramento?
The average composite score for Sacramento middle schools is 5.4/10. 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 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 Sacramento middle school rankings?
Yes. Sacramento has 1 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.