Best Middle Schools in New York (2025-26)

A: 180B: 111C: 82D: 47F: 19

66% of the 439 ranked middle schools in New York earn an A or B (180 A grades, 111 B, 82 C, 47 D, 19 F), against 47% of middle schools nationwide. 247 schools meet or beat the proficiency projected from their student context (56% here, 71% nationally), and 159 exceed it. On average 48% of tested students meet the state bar against a projected 49% (national averages: 39% actual, 38% projected).

The biggest overperformers, by actual proficiency above projection: Peekskill Middle School (75% against 26%, A+), South Ocean Middle School (75% against 43%, A+), Maryvale Middle School (68% against 36%, A+), Great Neck South Middle School (87% against 63%, A+), Isaac E Young Middle School (58% against 35%, A-).

Districts with the most schools in the top quarter (the top 110): Smithtown Central School District (3), Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District (2), Great Neck Union Free School District (2), Chappaqua Central School District (2).

Cities with the most ranked middle schools: Syracuse (9, 1 at A or B), Rochester (8, 3 at A or B), Schenectady (7, 4 at A or B), Cheektowaga (4, 1 at A or B), Albany (4, 3 at A or B).

The largest ranked middle schools: Berner Middle School (1,596 students, A, #113), Monroe Woodbury Middle School (1,584 students, B-, #269), White Plains Middle School (1,517 students, C+, #314).

What is the best middle school in New York?

Garden City Middle School in Garden City ranks first among the 439 ranked middle schools in New York with a SchoolGrade of A+, 93% of tested students meeting the state bar against a projected 84%.

How are middle schools in New York ranked?

By SchoolGrade, the 2025-26 model that scores each school's actual test proficiency against the level projected for its student context, then by actual proficiency to break ties. Regular public schools that are open, not fully online and have at least 30 students are ranked; the rest are listed below the table with the reason.

How many middle schools does New York have?

SchoolGrade grades 474 public middle schools in New York; 439 are ranked here and 35 are listed as not ranked.