Best Middle Schools in San Diego, CA (2025-26)

A: 15B: 8C: 7D: 7F: 1

61% of the 38 ranked middle schools in San Diego, CA earn an A or B (15 A grades, 8 B, 7 C, 7 D, 1 F), against 46% of middle schools nationwide. 32 schools meet or beat the proficiency projected from their student context (84% here, 70% nationally), and 11 exceed it. On average 44% of tested students meet the state bar against a projected 38% (national averages: 45% actual, 38% projected).

The biggest overperformers, by actual proficiency above projection: Magnolia Science Academy San Diego (66% against 37%, A), Pacific Beach Middle (66% against 51%, A), Mesa Verde Middle (76% against 64%, A+), Kipp Adelante Preparatory Academy (26% against 14%, C-), De Portola Middle (62% against 51%, A).

Districts with the most schools in the top quarter (the top 10): San Diego Unified (4), Poway Unified (3), San Dieguito Union High (2).

The largest ranked middle schools: Oak Valley Middle (1,515 students, A+, #5), Bernardo Heights Middle (1,416 students, A, #8), Marshall Middle (1,317 students, A+, #3).

Of the top 25, 0 are magnet schools and 4 are charters. Selective and specialised schools tend to post high actual scores; the projection column is the fairer comparison for a neighborhood school.

What is the best middle school in San Diego, CA?

Pacific Trails Middle in San Diego ranks first among the 38 ranked middle schools in San Diego, CA with a SchoolGrade of A+, 81% of tested students meeting the state bar against a projected 72%.

How are middle schools in San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA have?

SchoolGrade grades 38 public middle schools in San Diego, CA; 38 are ranked here.