Nearly 2.4 million students enrolled in over 4,394 public schools make New York State one of the largest public education systems in the United States. New York State consistently ranks Number One nationally in how much money it spends per student for quality public schools. The student-to-teacher ratio is 11.7:1 with above-average performance in Grade 4 literacy, as well as New York City’s initiatives to promote the reading and writing of our youth, such as NYC Reads and NYC Solves, which demonstrate New York’s commitment to providing a high-quality academic experience for its students. Because of those factors, families searching for the best middle schools in New York are an excellent choice.
Why New York Offers Middle School Options that Are the Best
During Middle School, students are developing academically, socially, and personally. New York’s Middle Schools thrive because they provide:
- A strong academic program in mathematics, reading, science, and social studies.
- Teachers who support students during some of the most important developmental years by guiding and mentoring them.
- A low student-to-teacher ratio that allows teachers to give individualized attention to every student.
- A wide range of extracurricular opportunities and a well-rounded program, including the Arts and Technology.
- Equitable programs or initiatives that support hundreds of thousands of students across the State.
These elements are represented in the schools that appear on the Best Middle Schools in New York (2026 List).
1. CHRISTA MCAULIFFE SCHOOL (THE) /IS 187
I.S. 187, The Christa McAuliffe School, offers a highly academically focused program to support a holistic approach to student development. It is the best middle school in New York, serving students in grades six through eight with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The highly committed teachers, numerous enrichment programs, and positive environment have allowed students to thrive academically and socially, making this a popular choice for families in Brooklyn.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools Middle Schools
- Address: 1171 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219, United States
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2. GREAT NECK SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
Great Neck South Middle School offers a program that emphasizes individualized attention and academic excellence with a student-teacher ratio of ten to one. This school also serves students in grades six through eight, but places great emphasis on developing critical thinking skills, collaboration among peers, and student well-being. The East Side Middle School has a strong curriculum, good staff members who care about their students, and many activities for the students to participate in; therefore, it is an excellent place for students to learn the information and skills necessary to be successful in the future.
- Rank: #34 in New York Middle Schools
- Address: 349 LAKEVILLE RD, GREAT NECK, NY, 11020
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3. EAST SIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The East Side Middle School is a school for students in grades six through eight, and it offers a high-quality academic experience to all of its students, in addition to a large amount of staff support. The school provides students with opportunities to achieve academic as well as personal success and encourages students to develop their cognitive skills and to use their creativity. The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1, which allows the school to provide each student with individualised attention, quality learning experiences, and the necessary resources for preparing to enter high school.
- Rank: #27 in New York Middle Schools
- Address:331 E 91ST ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10128
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4. MADELEINE BRENNAN SCHOOL (THE)
The I.S. 201 Madeleine Brennan School has established a reputation for providing quality programming for the academic progress of students and the success of the students. The school provides grade levels six through eight and features a highly structured academic program with both qualified teachers and numerous opportunities for student enrichment. In addition to academic growth, I.S. 201 also focuses on student personal growth by encouraging students to develop confidence, responsibility, and excellent study skills in an environment that promotes positivity.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools Middle Schools
- Address: 8010 12th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11228, United States
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5. JHS 216 GEORGE J RYAN
George J. Ryan Middle School 216 serves students in grades six through eight and has an extensive academic program for students. The program is supported by a staff of highly trained teachers who have a wealth of experience working with students. This school provides for a structured learning experience for all students and is designed to promote active learning for all students. All departments provide students with opportunities to build a strong foundation of responsibility and teamwork, as well as to develop confidence in their own abilities.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools Middle Schools
- Address:64-20 175th St, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365, United States
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6. JHS 54 BOOKER T WASHINGTON
Booker T. Washington Middle School has been recognized for its inclusive approach to educating students, as well as the emphasis on helping students develop into responsible and confident individuals. The school serves students in grades six through eight and offers a comprehensive academic support program that includes both regular classroom support and after-school enrichment activities. Booker T. Washington also provides its students with an opportunity to receive individualized attention from their teachers. This individualized support helps students to remain focused, productive, and confident as they prepare for their future academic pursuits. The student-to-teacher ratio at Booker T. Washington Middle School is 14:1.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools, Middle Schools
- Address:103 W 107TH ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10025
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7. BELL ACADEMY
The Bell Academy has an excellent academic program, which is supported by numerous extracurricular opportunities. Students in grades 6-8 receive a great deal of support, creativity, and leadership development at the Bell Academy, as well as the ability to thrive academically and become more involved in areas of interest outside of school due to the school’s 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools, Middle Schools
- Address:18-25 212TH ST, BAYSIDE, NY, 11360
- Visit The School
⭐ Most Important Information About the Best Middle Schools in New York
Strong Diversity: Many top New York middle schools reflect a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, offering students exposure to global perspectives.
Early STEM Integration: Several schools on the list begin formal STEM programs as early as Grade 6.
Dual-Language Options: Some schools include dual-language programs in Spanish or Mandarin, improving language fluency.
Arts Enrichment: Even academically strong middle schools dedicate time to arts, theater, and music.
Technology Focus: A handful of these schools emphasize coding and computer science starting in middle grades.
Community Service: Many students participate in community outreach and service projects as part of their curriculum.
Low Student-Teacher Ratios: Some schools, like Lafayette Academy, boast especially low ratios (as low as 7:1), allowing more individualized attention.
High Parent Engagement: Parent–teacher associations are highly active in many of these top schools, supporting programs and enrichment.
Focus on Social-Emotional Learning: Social–emotional curricula are increasingly integrated into daily lessons and advisory periods.
Academic Competitions: Several top middle schools regularly participate in academic leagues, math competitions, and science fairs.
Extracurricular Variety: Clubs range from robotics and chess to creative writing and environmental action teams.
College Readiness Mindset: Some schools begin preparing students for high school and beyond with early counseling and goal-setting programs.
Safe Campuses: Many schools emphasize anti-bullying initiatives and safe learning environments.
Student-Led Conferences: Some schools encourage student reflection through conferences where students present their own progress.
Mentorship Programs: Upper middle school students sometimes mentor lower grades, building leadership and collaboration skills.
Family Workshops: Schools on this list host frequent family engagement workshops on topics like digital citizenship and academic planning.
Partnerships with Local Colleges: A few have early collaborations with nearby universities for enrichment or summer programs.
Active School Councils: Student councils in top schools are often involved in decision-making and event planning.
Outdoor Learning: Certain schools use nearby parks or community gardens for hands-on science and environmental learning.
Award-Winning Teachers: Some schools boast teachers recognized by the state for excellence in education.
8. MS 245 COMPUTER SCHOOL (THE)
The MS 245 Computer School is known for combining strong academic programs with an emphasis on technology and innovation. This middle school (grades 6-8) helps students develop critical thinking and digital literacy through the use of technology and innovation. Teachers provide a supportive environment for all students and work closely with them to prepare them to be successful in a technology-driven world; this is evident by the 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools, Middle Schools
- Address:100 W 77TH ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10024
- Visit The school
9. JHS 259 WILLIAM MCKINLEY
JHS 259 William McKinley Middle School places great importance on academic excellence and student development. The school serves students in grades 6-8, and its structure provides students with strong teacher support, a structured learning environment, and many enrichment opportunities. The student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1; therefore, students receive the support necessary to build confidence, develop academic skills, and prepare for success in high school.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools Middle Schools
- Address:7305 FT HAMILTON PKWY, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228
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10. LAFAYETTE ACADEMY
At Lafayette Academy, the school environment is very supportive and emphasizes strong relationships between teachers and students. Lafayette Academy serves students in grades 6-8, and due to the size of the school (7:1 student-to-teacher ratio), teachers can provide individualized instruction to each student, thereby developing relationships with their students and being able to support them in their academic endeavors. Lafayette Academy is focused on helping students achieve high academic standards, and as such, offers a variety of programs that allow for the development of creativity and character. Therefore, it makes sense for families who desire focused and individualized support to consider enrolling their students at Lafayette Academy.
- Rank: in New York City Public Schools, Middle Schools
- Address:154 W 93RD ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10025
- Visit The School
Conclusion
In summary, the Best Middle Schools in New York City (according to this list of middle schools) showcase New York’s commitment to being the leader in quality education by providing students with the best resources, support, and equal access to education. New York is dedicated to providing families with excellent choices at the middle-school level; through a commitment of invested dollars and trained teachers who offer quality programming, New York will continue to lead the country in offering families with excellent, high-quality public middle schools that are preparing children for high school and beyond.
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