California Middle School Rankings
From LoveToKnow Teens
If you are the parent of a teenager, looking at the California middle school rankings is a good first step in deciding where to relocate your family. After all, your child’s education is one of the most important investments you can make.
Top California Middle School Rankings
A good first step is to see how the existing students are scoring on standardized tests. It can give you a good idea how well the teachers are succeeding at reaching their pupils. Based on data provided by the California Department of Education, here are the top ten public middle schools:
| Rank | School | District | City | 2008 CST Score |
| 1. | Joaquin Miller Middle | Cupertino | San Jose | 822.3 |
| 2. | Huntington Middle | San Marino Unified | San Marino | 820.8 |
| 3. | Sierra Vista Middle | Irvine Unified | Irvine | 807.5 |
| 4. | South Lake Middle | Irvine Unified | Irvine | 804.3 |
| 5. | Orinda Intermediate | Union Elementary | Orinda | 795.6 |
| 6. | David Starr Jordon Middle | Palo Alto Unified | Palo Alto | 794.1 |
| 7. | Rancho San Joaquin Middle | Irvine Unified | Irvine | 794.0 |
| 8. | Bret Harte Middle | San Jose Unified | San Jose | 793.8 |
| 9. | Sharon Christa McAuliffe Middle | Los Alamitos Unified | Los Alamitos | 789.6 |
| 10. | High Tech Middle | San Diego Unified | San Diego | 788.9 |
To see a more comprehensive listing or check out where your school ranks, visit SchoolDigger.com.
Basis of Ranking
These scores are calculated based on the results of CST California Standardized Test (CST) scores in both Mathematics and English-Language Arts.
More Than Test Scores
When considering a middle school for your teenager, remember to look at more than just the California middle school rankings. These rankings are based strictly on test scores and do not take into account such important issues as:
- Does the school’s curriculum meet the needs and interests of your child?
- How does the staff interact with the teens?
- What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- How well will your child fit into the school’s social dynamic?
For example, if your son is leaps and bounds ahead of his peers in science, does the school offer accelerated placement programs, extensive science projects or an active after school club?
It is to your advantage to set up a meeting with the school faculty prior to making any life-altering decisions. Make sure to request a tour of the school as well. Your teenager will spend nine months a year in that facility, so it is important to familiarize yourself with his surroundings. If school is already in session, ask for permission to sit in on one or two of the classes. Observe the student/teacher interaction and how the curriculum is taught.
Summing Up Rankings
When looking at the best California middle schools based on standardized test score rankings, don’t forget to take that next step. Spend the extra time to make sure your child will feel comfortable in his new surroundings.
Additional Resources
Do your homework. Research the schools in the area where you plan to raise your family. Know what resources are available to your child and how other nearby schools compare. Begin with these additional resources:
- California Department of Education – Learn the basics about the California educational system, including testing guidelines and a directory of schools with contact information for each.
- Choosing a School for Your Child – This comprehensive article is published by the U.S. Department of Education and covers many of the questions and issues you may face in looking for a school for any age child.
- Private School Review – While California offers many excellent public schools, some children may perform better in a private school environment. Visit this website for details about private institutes in your area.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,052 times. This page was last modified 02:53, 6 September 2008.
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