Best Middle Schools
in Seattle, Washington
We ranked all 25 middle schools in Seattle. The top 24 scored between 4.5 and 8.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Washington education data
Seattle's middle school landscape spans 15 ranked schools, with scores ranging from the district average of 6.5 to a high of 8.9 at Rainier Prep, the metro's top-performing middle school. That gap matters — it signals meaningful differences in academic outcomes, and the table below makes those differences easy to compare. Forty percent of ranked schools — six in total — score 7 or above, suggesting a solid tier of strong options for families across the city. Rainier Prep leads at 8.9, followed by Robert Eagle Staff Middle School at 8.2 and Aki Kurose Middle School at 7.7. Use the sortable columns to filter by the metrics that matter most to your family, whether that's overall score, academic growth, or another factor. The data is here to help you move past reputation and make a grounded decision.
Rainier Prep
Robert Eagle Staff Middle School
BILLINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Score Distribution
Where the top 24 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Seattle'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 Washington so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 24 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rainier Prep Charter Rainier Prep Charter School District | 8.9 |
| 2 | Robert Eagle Staff Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.2 |
| 3 | BILLINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL | 7.9 |
| 4 | LAKE WASHINGTON GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL | 7.8 |
| 5 | Aki Kurose Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.7 |
| 6 | HAMLIN ROBINSON SCHOOL | 7.6 |
| 7 | Whitman Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.4 |
| 8 | EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL | 7.4 |
| 9 | Madison Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.2 |
| 10 | SEATTLE GIRLS SCHOOL | 7.2 |
| 11 | Eckstein Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.1 |
| 12 | Hamilton International Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 6.5 |
| 13 | SEATTLE SCHOOL FOR BOYS | 6.5 |
| 14 | Mercer International Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 6.4 |
| 15 | Jane Addams Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 6.4 |
| 16 | ST JOSEPH SCHOOL | 6.4 |
| 17 | McClure Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 6.1 |
| 18 | Washington Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 6.0 |
| 19 | SEATTLE JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL | 6.0 |
| 20 | SEATTLE NATIVITY SCHOOL | 6.0 |
| 21 | David T. Denny International Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 5.8 |
| 22 | Cascade Middle School Highline School District | 4.7 |
| 23 | Edmonds S. Meany Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 4.6 |
| 24 | Dimmitt Middle School Renton School District | 4.5 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Washington education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Washington. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 24 Middle Schools in Seattle
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Seattle's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Seattle
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Seattle's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Washington, with 25 schools spanning 8 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 Seattle, Washington?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Rainier Prep is the top-rated middle school in Seattle with a composite score of 8.9/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle has 25 middle schools, including 1 charter schools. Of these, 24 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Seattle?
The average composite score for Seattle middle schools is 6.7/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Washington).
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 Washington, 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 Washington, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Seattle middle school rankings?
Yes. Seattle has 1 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.