Kipp Heartwood Academy

KIPP Heartwood Academy is a charter middle school in San Jose, California, serving grades 5 through 8 with an enrollment of 418 students. It earns a composite score of 9.4/10 — rated Exceptional — driven by an academic score of 9.5 and a growth score of 9.3. Those numbers place it second among 223 schools in San Jose, a ranking that reflects sustained, measurable performance across the full student body.

Statewide, Heartwood ranks fifth among 1,349 California middle schools, landing at #47 out of 9,533 public schools overall. It outperforms every other public school in the state — an uncommon result at any enrollment size. At a student-teacher ratio of 17.4:1, classrooms stay manageable and instruction stays personal, which likely contributes to both the academic and growth scores holding above 9.

For families comparing San Jose middle schools, Heartwood's data stands apart. A strong academic score signals consistent proficiency across grade levels; a high growth score signals that students are making real gains regardless of where they start. Both signals running this high simultaneously is rare, and either one alone would make this school worth a hard look.

The combination makes the case even stronger.

Kipp Heartwood Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.