California Middle Schools
Grades 6 and 8 CAASPP scores, growth trajectory, absenteeism, and suspension rates.
Top middle schools near Columbus
Based on your approximate location. Search above for more precise results.
| Rank | School | Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julius Cordes Elementary | 97 | 99th |
| 2 | Sam H. Lawson Middle | 94 | 99th |
| 3 | The Pleasanton Virtual Academy | 94 | 99th |
| 4 | Science Academy STEM Magnet | 93 | 99th |
| 5 | Joaquin Miller Middle | 93 | 99th |
| 6 | Redwood Middle | 92 | 99th |
| 7 | John F. Kennedy Middle | 91 | 99th |
| 8 | Robert C. Fisler Elementary | 91 | 99th |
| 9 | Lilienthal (Claire) Elementary | 91 | 99th |
| 10 | Corte Madera | 91 | 99th |
Top California middle schools
Ranked by Scope Score across 6 dimensions.
| Rank | School | Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julius Cordes Elementary | 97 | 99th |
| 2 | Sam H. Lawson Middle | 94 | 99th |
| 3 | The Pleasanton Virtual Academy | 94 | 99th |
| 4 | Science Academy STEM Magnet | 93 | 99th |
| 5 | Joaquin Miller Middle | 93 | 99th |
| 6 | Redwood Middle | 92 | 99th |
| 7 | John F. Kennedy Middle | 91 | 99th |
| 8 | Robert C. Fisler Elementary | 91 | 99th |
| 9 | Lilienthal (Claire) Elementary | 91 | 99th |
| 10 | Corte Madera | 91 | 99th |
The middle school drop
Many parents notice something alarming in middle school: scores decline. Across California, the average grade 6→8 growth trajectory is +0.8 points. This isn't unusual — adolescence brings developmental changes that affect academic performance.
But not every school sees a decline. The schools below actually improve scores from 6th to 8th grade. That's the signal. A middle school that maintains or grows achievement through these years is doing harder, more valuable work than one that lets kids coast.
How middle school Scope Scores differ
Middle school Scope Scores use grades 6 and 8 CAASPP data (instead of grades 3 and 5 for elementary). The growth trajectory measures how scores change from 6th to 8th grade — the most telling metric for this level. We weight the same five dimensions: exceeded rate (45%), proficiency floor (25%), growth (15%), absenteeism (10%), and suspension rate (5%).
Schools on the rise
Middle schools where the California School Dashboard shows Increased or Increased Significantly in ELA or Math vs. the prior year. This answers the question every parent asks: is this school getting better?
| School | Score | ELA Trend | Math Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julius Cordes Elementary | 97 | Increased | Increased Significantly |
| Sam H. Lawson Middle | 94 | Increased | Increased |
| The Pleasanton Virtual Academy | 94 | Increased Significantly | Increased Significantly |
| Science Academy STEM Magnet | 93 | Increased | Increased |
| Redwood Middle | 92 | Increased | Increased |
| Robert C. Fisler Elementary | 91 | Increased | Increased |
| Lilienthal (Claire) Elementary | 91 | Increased | Maintained |
| College Preparatory Middle | 90 | Increased | Increased |
Data: California School Dashboard 2025 year-over-year change indicators
Growth heroes
Middle schools where scores actually improve from 6th to 8th grade.
| School | Score | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cajon Valley Home | 34 | +40.3 |
| Outside Creek Elementary | 55 | +37.3 |
| Mountain View | 39 | +35.0 |
| Westside Global Awareness Magnet | 37 | +33.4 |
| Larry G. Meeks Academy | 43 | +33.0 |
Top districts for middle school
Districts with the highest average middle school Scope Scores (minimum 3 schools).
Search middle schools near you
Find and compare middle schools by name, city, or zip code.
Data source: California Department of Education, CAASPP 2024-25