Choosing the right middle school is a crucial step in a child’s academic journey. Pennsylvania is home to many high-performing middle schools that focus on strong academics, well-rounded development, and supportive learning environments. This list of the best middle schools in Pennsylvania highlights top-ranked schools based on academic reputation, student–teacher ratios, enrollment size, and overall performance to help parents make informed decisions.
📊 Quick Comparison Table: Best Middle Schools in Pennsylvania
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Bala-Cynwyd Middle School | Bala Cynwyd | 5–8 | 199 | 10:1 |
| #2 | Welsh Valley Middle School | Narberth | 5–8 | 204 | 10:1 |
| #3 | Huntingdon Area Middle School | Huntingdon | 6–8 | 376 | 11:1 |
| #4 | Colonial Middle School | Plymouth Meeting | 6–8 | 417 | 13:1 |
| #5 | Springfield Township Middle School | Oreland | 6–8 | 300 | 12:1 |
| #6 | Abington Middle School | Abington | 6–8 | 237 | 15:1 |
| #7 | Poquessing Middle School | Feasterville-Trevose | 5–8 | 315 | 17:1 |
| #8 | Baldi C.C.A. Middle School | Philadelphia | 6–8 | 378 | 16:1 |
| #9 | Cedarbrook Middle School | Wyncote | 7–8 | 330 | 10:1 |
| #10 | Robert K. Shafer Middle School | Bensalem | 7–8 | 281 | 13:1 |
🏫 Top 10 Best Middle Schools in Pennsylvania
1. Bala-Cynwyd Middle School
- Address: 510 Bryn Mawr Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
- Ranking: #1 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 5–8
- Students: 199
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Link: Visit this school
Bala-Cynwyd Middle School stands out for its strong academic focus and exceptionally low student–teacher ratio, allowing for personalized instruction. Serving grades 5–8, the school emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and academic consistency. Families value its structured environment, supportive teachers, and smooth transition from elementary to high school preparation.
2. Welsh Valley Middle School
- Address: 325 Tower Lane, Narberth, PA 19072
- Ranking: #2 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 5–8
- Students: 204
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Link: Visit this school
Welsh Valley Middle School is known for its academic rigor and well-balanced curriculum. With small class sizes and a strong emphasis on student engagement, the school creates a nurturing environment for middle-grade learners. Teachers focus on both academic growth and social development, making it a preferred choice for families in Narberth.
3. Huntingdon Area Middle School
- Address: 2500 Cassady Ave, Huntingdon, PA 16652
- Ranking: #3 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 376
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Link: Visit this school
Huntingdon Area Middle School offers a supportive learning environment with a strong focus on academics and student growth. Serving grades 6–8, the school promotes responsible learning habits and community involvement. Its balanced class sizes allow teachers to provide consistent academic guidance.
4. Colonial Middle School
- Address: 716 Belvoir Rd, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
- Ranking: #4 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 417
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Link: Visit this school
Colonial Middle School is part of a well-established educational network in Pennsylvania. Known for its structured academic programs and supportive teaching staff, the school prepares students effectively for high school. Parents appreciate its focus on discipline, academic consistency, and extracurricular balance.
5. Springfield Township Middle School
- Address: 1901A E Paper Mill Rd, Oreland, PA 19075
- Ranking: #5 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 300
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Link: Visit this school
Springfield Township Middle School emphasizes academic excellence alongside social and emotional learning. The school supports students during the critical middle school transition years with structured programs and attentive teachers. Its moderate class sizes ensure steady academic progress.
6. Abington Middle School
- Address: 2056 Susquehanna St, Abington, PA 19001
- Ranking: #6 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 237
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Link: Visit this school
Abington Middle School provides a strong academic foundation supported by experienced educators. The school focuses on developing independent learning skills and encouraging student participation. Families value its balanced curriculum and supportive environment.
7. Poquessing Middle School
- Address: 300 Heights Ln, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053
- Ranking: #7 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 5–8
- Students: 315
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Link: Visit this school
Poquessing Middle School is known for its inclusive atmosphere and steady academic performance. Serving grades 5–8, the school helps students build strong learning habits while encouraging personal responsibility and growth.
📜 Historical & Interesting Facts About Middle Schools in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania has one of the oldest public education systems in the United States.
- Middle schools in PA emphasize smooth transitions between elementary and high school education.
- Many districts maintain lower-than-average class sizes, supporting personalized learning.
- The state blends traditional teaching methods with modern academic programs.
- Strong community involvement plays a major role in school success across Pennsylvania.
8. Baldi C.C.A. Middle School
- Address: 8801 Verree Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19115
- Ranking: #8 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 378
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Link: Visit this school
Baldi C.C.A. Middle School focuses on well-rounded education and academic consistency. The school supports diverse learners through structured programs and dedicated teaching staff, making it a reliable choice in Philadelphia.
9. Cedarbrook Middle School
- Address: 300 Longfellow Rd, Wyncote, PA 19095
- Ranking: #9 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 7–8
- Students: 330
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Link: Visit this school
Cedarbrook Middle School serves upper middle grades with a strong focus on academic readiness and student engagement. Its low student–teacher ratio allows teachers to offer targeted instruction and consistent feedback.
10. Robert K. Shafer Middle School
- Address: 3333 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
- Ranking: #10 Middle School in Pennsylvania
- Grades: 7–8
- Students: 281
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Link: Visit this school
Robert K. Shafer Middle School offers a structured and supportive learning environment for grades 7–8. The school focuses on academic discipline, preparation for high school, and steady student development.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania offers a strong selection of middle schools that focus on academic excellence, balanced development, and supportive learning environments. The best middle schools in Pennsylvania listed above consistently rank among the best due to their strong teaching standards, manageable class sizes, and commitment to student success. Choosing the right middle school can significantly shape a child’s academic future, and these schools provide excellent foundations for that journey.
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FAQs
Academic performance, student–teacher ratio, teacher quality, and overall school environment.
Smaller schools often allow more personalized attention and stronger teacher–student relationships.
Most Pennsylvania middle schools serve grades 5–8 or 6–8.
Yes, rankings may shift based on academic results, enrollment, and performance metrics.
Consider academics, class size, location, school culture, and long-term student growth.
