Best Middle Schools
in Sacramento, California
We ranked the 20 middle schools in Sacramento with real test data. The top 20 scored between 3.1 and 8.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and California education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Sacramento for 2026 are Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle (8.5/10), Miwok Middle (7.6/10), and Norwood Junior High (7.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 20 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Sacramento?
Every middle school in Sacramento 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.
Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle
Sacramento, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Miwok Middle
Sacramento, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Norwood Junior High
Sacramento, CA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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
Miwok Middle
Norwood Junior High
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 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 20 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle Charter Natomas Unified | 8.5 |
| 2 | Miwok Middle Sacramento City Unified | 7.6 |
| 3 | Norwood Junior High Twin Rivers Unified | 7.2 |
| 4 | Foothill Ranch Middle Twin Rivers Unified | 7.0 |
| 5 | California Middle Sacramento City Unified | 6.9 |
| 6 | T. R. Smedberg Middle Elk Grove Unified | 6.4 |
| 7 | Fern Bacon Middle Sacramento City Unified | 6.4 |
| 8 | James Rutter Middle Elk Grove Unified | 6.2 |
| 9 | Will C. Wood Middle Sacramento City Unified | 6.0 |
| 10 | Samuel Jackman Middle Elk Grove Unified | 5.3 |
| 11 | Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy Twin Rivers Unified | 5.1 |
| 12 | Natomas Middle Natomas Unified | 4.9 |
| 13 | Rio Tierra Junior High Twin Rivers Unified | 4.9 |
| 14 | Arden Middle San Juan Unified | 4.9 |
| 15 | Katherine Johnson Middle San Juan Unified | 4.7 |
| 16 | Cesar Chavez Intermediate Sacramento City Unified | 4.4 |
| 17 | Albert Einstein Middle Sacramento City Unified | 3.8 |
| 18 | 6900 West 4th Street | 3.6 |
| 19 | Sam Brannan Middle Sacramento City Unified | 3.1 |
| 20 | Arcade Fundamental Middle San Juan Unified | 3.1 |
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 8.5/10. 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 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 5.5/10. 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 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.