Maryland is widely recognized for its strong public education system, particularly at the middle school level. Families searching for the best middle schools in Maryland often consider academic performance, class size, teacher support, and school environment. This 2026 ranking highlights top-performing middle schools across Baltimore and Columbia, helping parents compare key metrics and choose schools that support academic growth and student development.
Best Middle Schools in Maryland – Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| 1 | Dumbarton Middle School | Baltimore | 6–8 | 357 | 16:1 |
| 2 | Wilde Lake Middle School | Columbia | 6–8 | 309 | 12:1 |
| 3 | Oakland Mills Middle School | Columbia | 6–8 | 214 | 11:1 |
| 4 | Harpers Choice Middle School | Columbia | 6–8 | 234 | 11:1 |
| 5 | Lake Elkhorn Middle School | Columbia | 6–8 | 311 | 13:1 |
| 6 | Sparrows Point Middle School | Baltimore | 6–8 | 276 | 14:1 |
| 7 | Arbutus Middle School | Baltimore | 6–8 | 327 | 17:1 |
| 8 | Sudbrook Magnet Middle School | Baltimore | 6–8 | 282 | 13:1 |
| 9 | The Crossroads School | Baltimore | 6–8 | 163 | 13:1 |
| 10 | Southwest Academy | Baltimore | 6–8 | 406 | 14:1 |
🏫 Top 10 Best Middle Schools in Maryland
1. Dumbarton Middle School – Baltimore
Address: 300 Dumbarton Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212
Ranking: #1 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 357
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Dumbarton Middle School is a top-ranked middle school in Maryland, serving grades 6–8 in Baltimore County. The school is known for its balanced academic programs, dedicated teaching staff, and supportive learning environment. With a strong focus on student achievement and personal growth, Dumbarton Middle School consistently delivers positive academic outcomes.
2. Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate & Junior High – Fishers
Address: 10481 Cross Fox Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Ranking: #2 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 309
Student–Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Link: Visit this school
Wilde Lake Middle School serves grades 6–8 in the Columbia area and is well known for its low student–teacher ratio and inclusive learning environment. The school emphasizes academic excellence, collaboration, and student well-being. Wilde Lake Middle provides a structured curriculum designed to prepare students for future academic success.
3. Oakland Mills Middle School – Columbia
Address: 9540 Kilimanjaro Rd, Columbia, MD 21045
Ranking: #3 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 214
Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Link: Visit this school
Oakland Mills Middle School is a high-performing Columbia school serving grades 6–8. The school is recognized for its small class sizes, strong teacher engagement, and focus on individualized learning. Oakland Mills supports academic growth through structured instruction, enrichment programs, and a student-centered educational approach.
4. Harpers Choice Middle School – Columbia
Address: 5450 Beaverkill Rd, Columbia, MD 21044
Ranking: #4 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 234
Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Link: Visit this school
Harpers Choice Middle School serves students in grades 6–8 and is known for its supportive academic culture and strong teaching staff. The school focuses on core academic skills, critical thinking, and student confidence. Harpers Choice Middle School consistently ranks among Maryland’s top middle schools.
5. Lake Elkhorn Middle School – Columbia
Address: 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
Ranking: #5 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 311
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Lake Elkhorn Middle School is located in the Owen Brown area of Columbia and serves grades 6–8. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and strong academic support. With experienced educators and consistent performance, Lake Elkhorn Middle School supports both academic and personal development.
6. Sparrows Point Middle School – Baltimore
Address: 7400 North Point Rd, Baltimore, MD 21219
Ranking: #6 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 276
Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
Sparrows Point Middle School serves grades 6–8 in a suburban Baltimore community. The school emphasizes academic fundamentals, student responsibility, and community involvement. With steady academic performance and supportive teachers, Sparrows Point Middle School provides a stable learning environment for middle-grade students.
7. Arbutus Middle School – Baltimore
Address: 5525 Shelbourne Rd, Baltimore, MD 21227
Ranking: #7 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 327
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
Arbutus Middle School serves grades 6–8 in Baltimore County and is known for its strong academic programs and dedicated educators. The school focuses on building foundational skills, encouraging student engagement, and preparing learners for high school. Arbutus Middle School offers a balanced and structured learning experience.
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
Maryland consistently ranks among the top U.S. states for public education quality. Columbia, a planned community, is especially known for its highly rated schools and education-focused neighborhoods. Baltimore County’s magnet and charter schools also play a key role in offering diverse academic pathways and specialized learning opportunities.
8. Sudbrook Magnet Middle School – Baltimore
Address: 4300 Bedford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21208
Ranking: #8 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 282
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Sudbrook Magnet Middle School is a public magnet school serving grades 6–8 in Baltimore County. The school offers specialized academic programs and emphasizes student achievement and engagement. Sudbrook Magnet Middle is recognized for its diverse learning opportunities and strong academic structure.
9. The Crossroads School – Baltimore
Address: 802 S Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Ranking: #9 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 163
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
The Crossroads School is a public charter middle school serving grades 6–8 in Baltimore City. With a smaller student population, the school focuses on personalized learning and academic support. The Crossroads School provides an inclusive environment that helps students thrive academically and socially.
10. Southwest Academy – Baltimore
Address: 802 S Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Ranking: #10 Middle School in Maryland
Grades: 6–8
Students: 406
Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
Southwest Academy serves grades 6–8 in a large suburban Baltimore area. The school emphasizes academic readiness, student engagement, and structured learning. With experienced educators and steady performance, Southwest Academy remains a solid choice for families seeking quality middle school education.
Conclusion
The best middle schools in Maryland offer strong academics, supportive teachers, and well-structured learning environments. Schools in Columbia and Baltimore stand out for their low student–teacher ratios and consistent performance. This 2026 ranking helps parents compare top options and choose a middle school that aligns with their child’s academic and personal needs.
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FAQs
Dumbarton Middle School ranks as the top middle school in Maryland for 2026.
Columbia has multiple top-ranked middle schools with strong academic performance.
Yes, Sudbrook Magnet Middle and The Crossroads School are included.
Lower ratios allow for personalized instruction and better student support.
Rankings are updated annually based on enrollment, ratios, and school performance.
