Middle school years are some of the most formative in a child’s academic life — where curiosity blossoms into critical thinking, interests become passions, and academic foundations are strengthened before high school. Arlington, Virginia is known for its consistently high-quality public education, and its middle schools are no exception.
As families explore top educational options, many start with the best elementary schools in Arlington and then look for equally strong middle school options that offer continuity, academic challenge, and supportive environments. In this guide, we bring you the top middle schools in Arlington, Virginia, backed by up-to-date data on student enrollment, student–teacher ratios, and academic standing.
Arlington Middle Schools: What the Data Shows
Before jumping into the list, here’s a quick snapshot of Arlington’s middle school landscape:
- Arlington Public Schools (APS) consistently shows high proficiency levels in key subjects like math and English compared with state averages.
- Smaller student–teacher ratios help support individualized attention and classroom engagement.
- Several schools in Arlington feed directly into highly ranked high schools, helping students progress smoothly through their academic path.
Top 10 Best Middle Schools in Arlington, VA– 2026 Ranked List
1. Kenmore Middle School
- Address: 200 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington, VA 22204
- Rank: #1 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 1,004 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Kenmore Middle tops the list with a strong academic environment and one of the lowest student–teacher ratios in Arlington. This allows teachers to give more individualized support, fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.
2. Jefferson Middle School
- Address: 125 S Old Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204
- Rank: #2 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 1,088 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Jefferson Middle is another highly regarded school in Arlington, blending academic rigor with a wide range of student opportunities. The student–teacher ratio supports both collaborative learning and individual academic support.
3. Gunston Middle School
- Address: 2700 S Lang St, Arlington, VA 22206
- Rank: #3 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 1,031 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
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Gunston Middle is known for its supportive, engaging learning environment and strong community involvement. The balanced ratio enables meaningful teacher–student interactions.
4. Williamsburg Middle School
- Address: 3600 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
- Rank: #4 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 855 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Williamsburg Middle is consistently ranked among the top schools in the state, with exceptionally high proficiency levels in both math and reading (top 1% statewide). Its balanced size and academic strength make it a top choice for many families.
5. Dorothy Hamm Middle School
- Address: 4100 N Vacation Ln, Arlington, VA 22207
- Rank: #5 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 932 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: ~14:1
Dorothy Hamm boasts above-average proficiency levels, with strong math and English outcomes compared to the state. The school offers a comprehensive program with a focus on student engagement and growth.
6. Swanson Middle School
- Address: 5800 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205
- Rank: #6 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 964 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Swanson Middle combines solid academic performance with robust extracurricular programs. The school’s long history and community focus help create stable, consistent learning experiences.
7. Carlin Springs Middle School
- Address: 5800 S George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA
- Rank: #7 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 950 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Carlin Springs serves a diverse student body and emphasizes both academic growth and cultural inclusivity, preparing students well for higher grades and real-world challenges.
8. H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program (Middle)
- Address: 1601 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
- Rank: #8 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 400 (middle portion)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: ~13:1
H-B Woodlawn offers a unique, student-driven learning model that blends middle and high school experiences. Known for fostering independence and critical thinking, it’s ideal for families seeking a more innovative approach.
9. Langston High School Continuation Program (Middle)
- Address: 2121 N Culpeper St, Arlington, VA 22207
- Rank: #9 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 300 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: ~12:1
This continuation program supports students needing alternative learning pathways with flexible, personalized instruction. It’s particularly suited for students seeking a non-traditional learning track.
10. Governor’s Academy for Career & Technical Education (MS)
- Address: 816 S Walter Reed Dr, Arlington, VA 22204
- Rank: #10 Middle School in Virginia
- Students: 350 (approx.)
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
This school stands out for its focus on career readiness and technical skill development, giving students early exposure to practical fields alongside core academics.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Middle School in Arlington
Each of these best middle schools in Arlington, Virginia offers something unique — from top-tier test scores and small class sizes to innovative learning programs. The right choice ultimately depends on your child’s learning style, interests, and long-term goals.
Visiting campuses, speaking with educators, and reviewing each school’s programs can make your decision more confident and tailored to your family’s needs.
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