Best Middle Schools
in Seattle, Washington
We ranked the 24 middle schools in Seattle with real test data. The top 24 scored between 4.0 and 8.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Washington education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Seattle for 2026 are Rainier Prep (8.7/10), Robert Eagle Staff Middle School (8.7/10), and Whitman Middle School (8.6/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 24 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Seattle?
Every middle school in Seattle 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.
Rainier Prep
Seattle, WA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Robert Eagle Staff Middle School
Seattle, WA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Whitman Middle School
Seattle, WA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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
Whitman 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 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 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 | 8.7 |
| 2 | Robert Eagle Staff Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.7 |
| 3 | Whitman Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.6 |
| 4 | Hamilton International Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.3 |
| 5 | Madison Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.3 |
| 6 | Mcclure Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.1 |
| 7 | Eckstein Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.0 |
| 8 | Billings Middle School | 7.9 |
| 9 | Mercer International Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.8 |
| 10 | Lake Washington Girls Middle School | 7.8 |
| 11 | Jane Addams Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.7 |
| 12 | Aki Kurose Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.6 |
| 13 | Hamlin Robinson School | 7.6 |
| 14 | Explorer West Middle School | 7.4 |
| 15 | Washington Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 7.2 |
| 16 | Seattle Girls School | 7.2 |
| 17 | Seattle School for Boys | 6.5 |
| 18 | David T. Denny International Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 6.4 |
| 19 | St Joseph School | 6.4 |
| 20 | Seattle Jewish Community School | 6.0 |
| 21 | Seattle Nativity School | 6.0 |
| 22 | Cascade Middle School Highline School District | 4.5 |
| 23 | Dimmitt Middle School Renton School District | 4.2 |
| 24 | Edmonds S. Meany Middle School Seattle School District No. 1 | 4.0 |
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 8.7/10. 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 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 7.1/10. 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 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 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.