Best Middle Schools
in Tucson, Arizona
We ranked the 36 middle schools in Tucson with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.6 and 8.2 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Arizona education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Tucson for 2026 are Wakefield Middle School (8.2/10), Lawrence W Cross Middle School (8.0/10), and Orange Grove Middle School (7.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 36 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Tucson?
Every middle school in Tucson 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.
Wakefield Middle School
Tucson, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Lawrence W Cross Middle School
Tucson, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Orange Grove Middle School
Tucson, AZ. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Tucson's 35 ranked middle schools span a wide range of performance, with composite scores running from well below average up to Wakefield Middle School's leading 8.4 out of 10. Wakefield sits roughly 2.2 points above the metro average of 6.2, a gap that signals real differentiation across the market — not just minor variation between schools. That spread matters for families doing serious comparisons. Only 10 schools, about 29% of the ranked pool, clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold, so the top tier is genuinely competitive to land in. Lawrence W Cross Middle School (8.1), Emily Gray Junior High School (8.0), and Esperero Canyon Middle School (7.9) round out the upper tier, clustered closely behind Wakefield. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors — and filter down to the options that fit your priorities.
Wakefield Middle School
Lawrence W Cross Middle School
Orange Grove Middle School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Tucson'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 Arizona so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 36 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wakefield Middle School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 8.2 |
| 2 | Lawrence W Cross Middle School Amphitheater Unified District (4406) | 8.0 |
| 3 | Orange Grove Middle School Catalina Foothills Unified District (4410) | 7.7 |
| 4 | Esperero Canyon Middle School Catalina Foothills Unified District (4410) | 7.3 |
| 5 | Mansfeld Middle Magnet School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 7.3 |
| 6 | Casita Daycare & Preschool | 7.2 |
| 7 | Satori Charter School Charter Satori Inc. (85454) | 7.1 |
| 8 | Las Puertas Community School Charter StrengthBuilding Partners (91992) | 7.0 |
| 9 | Desert Sky Middle School Vail Unified District (4413) | 6.7 |
| 10 | Paulo Freire Freedom School - Downtown Charter CITY Center for Collaborative Learning (85448) | 6.5 |
| 11 | Pima Partnership Academy Charter Pima Prevention Partnership dba Pima Partnership A (89864) | 6.5 |
| 12 | Emily Gray Junior High School Tanque Verde Unified District (4408) | 6.5 |
| 13 | Rincon Vista Middle School Vail Unified District (4413) | 6.5 |
| 14 | Gallego Intermediate Fine Arts Magnet School Sunnyside Unified District (4407) | 6.4 |
| 15 | Ida Flood Dodge Traditional Middle Magnet School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 6.2 |
| 16 | Alice Vail Middle School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 6.0 |
| 17 | Flowing Wells Junior High School Flowing Wells Unified District (4405) | 5.8 |
| 18 | Altar Valley Middle School Altar Valley Elementary District (4418) | 5.8 |
| 19 | Doolen Middle School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 5.7 |
| 20 | Utterback Middle School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 5.6 |
| 21 | Gridley Middle School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 5.1 |
| 22 | Future Investment Middle School Charter Griffin Foundation Inc. The (79500) | 5.0 |
| 23 | La Cima Middle School Amphitheater Unified District (4406) | 4.9 |
| 24 | Paulo Freire Freedom School - University Charter CITY Center for Collaborative Learning (85448) | 4.8 |
| 25 | Magee Middle School Tucson Unified District (4403) | 4.6 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Arizona education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Arizona. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle Schools in Tucson
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Tucson's Top 10 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle School in Tucson
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Tucson's middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Arizona, with 36 schools spanning 67 school districts, plus 7 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 Tucson, Arizona?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Wakefield Middle School is the top-rated middle school in Tucson with a composite score of 8.2/10. 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 Tucson, Arizona?
Tucson has 36 middle schools, including 7 charter schools. Of these, 36 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Tucson?
The average composite score for Tucson middle schools is 5.5/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Arizona).
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 Arizona, 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 Arizona, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Tucson middle school rankings?
Yes. Tucson has 7 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.