2024 Best Middle Schools in Missouri

Middle School Survival Guide for Missouri

Parents in Missouri may have more options than the average state when it comes to making a decision about middle schools. With 1463 middle schools in the state, that's a whopping 79% more than the national average, meaning that families have more choices when it comes to their child's education. That being said, despite having significantly more schools per capita than average, the overall grades for these schools aren't much different from the national average of B–.

Although the overall grade of B– is not bad, parents should be aware that only 39% of all Missouri middle schools score above national averages — which translates to about 566 various schools across the state. That being said, the student to teacher ratio is an impressive 12:1 in Missouri middle schools, a 14% difference from the national average, indicative of an academic setting that is conducive to personal attention. On the other hand, there is a slightly larger-than-expected enrollment of 276 students per school in Missouri — 32% lower than the national average.

Key Facts About Public Middle Schools in Missouri

It's also worth noting that public school make up 68% of all middle school options in Missouri. The median grade here is also B–, and although this number is right around with national averages overall, there are some key differences once you start getting into specifics. For example, public school enrollment in Missouri might be slightly higher than one might expect. On average, these public middle schools have 320 students per school - which is actually 22% higher than the national average. Again this isn't a bad thing necessarily - just something to be aware of as you start looking into specific options.

Traditional Public Middle Schools

When it comes to traditional public middle schools (public schools that aren't charter or magnet) there are 944 options available for families - which is almost double the amount of other types of public schools in addition to being 37% higher per capita than what one might find on a typical state level. These traditional public schools have grades similar to other public schools within their state, with an overall B– rating. The good news here is that 50% of these traditional public schools are scoring above the national average - which means there are at least 470 solid options available within this sector alone. Additionally, these traditional public middle schools have an average enrollment of 318 students - slightly lower than expected but still 22% lower than what you'd find nationally.

Missouri’s Top Traditional Public Middle School: Wydown Middle School

The top traditional public school within the state is Wydown Middle School located in Clayton (which is about 10 minutes south of downtown Saint Louis). Wydown has been a beacon for quality education since its founding and continues to pave the way for excellence within its walls. Boasting an enrollment of 627 students and an enviable 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio — nearly 30% lower than most states — it’s easy to see why so many families flock to their doors each year. Not only does its small class size provide personalized attention and enriching learning experiences, but its A+ rating speaks volumes about its educational standards and outcomes.

What is the best charter middle school in Missouri?

Although there are relatively fewer charter middle schools within the state compared to other types of institutions, one option stands out amongst them all: City Garden Montessori Charter School in St Louis. Although this school only has 230 students enrolled (which is less than half of what one typically finds), it has gained an impressive A– grade nonetheless. The student-to-teacher ratio here is 16:1 which is 14% higher than what one typically finds nationally - but this still makes for a fairly intimate academic environment.

What is the best magnet middle school in Missouri?

The best magnet middle school in Missouri would likely be John Thomas School of Discovery located in Nixa (about an hour south east from Springfield). This school has an A– grade and also has a fairly standard student-to-teacher ratio at 14:1 with 484 students enrolled — giving it a bit larger than average size — but still below what one finds on a typical state level nonetheless.

Key insights into Missouri's private school landscape

Missouri is home to an impressive 446 private schools, making it 6th in the country for per capita private schools. Out of these, 84% are influenced by religious beliefs, with 187 Christian schools making up the dominant subset. These schools have an average grade of B+, while the non-religious private schools have maintained an impressive A+ average. On average, the size of a school in Missouri is 179 students, which is 56% lower than the national average. This could indicate that parents and students are looking for a more intimate learning environment to maximize student-teacher engagement.

An overview of religious middle schools in Missouri

Missouri has a large selection of religious private schools with 373 options available to students and parents. The state also ranks pretty highly in terms of per capita rate of religious schools, coming in at 4th place with a 65% higher rate than other states. While the overall grade for religious middle schools is a B+, many institutions have achieved an exceptional A+ score. Additionally, these types of private middle schools have an average student size of 181, which is 56% below the national average.

Best Religious Middle School in Missouri

When it comes to finding the best religious school in Missouri, Principia School stands out as the top choice. Located in Saint Louis and boasting an A+ grade, this Christian school has a student population of 433 which ensures that each child receives personalized attention from their highly-qualified faculty and staff. One of their unique selling points is their 9 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, which outperforms the national average by an impressive 36%.

Missouri's Private Non-Religious Middle Schools: Size and Success

Private middle schools without religious affiliation still account for a significant portion of all private schools, making up 5% or 72 total institutions. Compared to other states across the country, Missouri has 0% more per capita when it comes to these types of establishments, suggesting that there is ample opportunity for growth in this sector. On average, these non-religious private schools have achieved an impressive A+ grade statewide, with 23 schools above the national average. Furthermore, 32% of these establishments boast grades above par with America's public institutions. Despite being smaller than most public middle schools, these non-religious private institutions have an average size of 166 students, surpassing the national average by 59%.

Top Private Nonsectarian Middle School in Missouri

In search of the best nonsectarian middle school in Missouri, John Burroughs School emerges as the top choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children. Situated in St. Louis and receiving an outstanding A+ grade, this institution has an enrollment of 660 students — significantly larger than most other private middle schools across the state — providing parents with greater control over their children's educational experience during these crucial years. Moreover, John Burroughs' student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1, outperforming most public middle schools by a remarkable 57%. With its educational excellence and unmatched faculty support, John Burroughs School should be strongly considered by parents who want the best for their children's future educational success.

Middle school alternatives in the state

What is the best all-boys middle school in Missouri?

In terms of all boys middle school options parents have a limited selection in Missouri; only 14 are present statewide. Fortunately though, those that do make list are top notch as they achieve an A+ rating on average throughout the state. The highest ranked option would likely be Saint Louis Priory School located right outside St Louis city limits. The school is quite small at 297 students yet boasts a 6 to 1 student teacher ratio (which is 57% better than typical American middle schools). This allows each student maximum access to instruction time and attention from faculty members thus providing them with unparalleled education experiences aiding them on their paths towards success.

Top-Ranked All-Girls Middle Schools in Missouri

As far as all girls middle school options are concerned there are 8 present throughout the state with all achieving similar B+ grades on average across them all. The highest ranked would likely be Visitation Academy established right outside St Louis city limits with 584 students enrolled. The school enjoys a very competitive 8 to 1 student to teacher ratio significantly lower than national averages by 43%. This allows students more individualized attention and instruction time from teachers thus providing them with more tailored educational experiences leading towards success.