Michigan is home to several high-performing middle schools that focus on academic excellence, structured learning, and student development. Cities like Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Sterling Heights offer public middle schools with balanced student–teacher ratios and strong educational support. This 2026 list of the best middle schools in Michigan highlights top schools that help students in grades 6–8 (and similar levels) build a strong foundation for high school success.
Best Middle Schools in Michigan– Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | East Grand Rapids Middle School | Grand Rapids | 6–8 | 662 | 19:1 |
| #2 | Clague Middle School | Ann Arbor | 6–8 | 220 | 16:1 |
| #3 | Forsythe Middle School | Ann Arbor | 6–8 | 204 | 16:1 |
| #4 | Bemis Junior High School | Sterling Heights | 7–8 | 393 | 22:1 |
| #5 | Crossroads Middle School | Grand Rapids | 7–8 | 453 | 17:1 |
| #6 | Scarlett Middle School | Ann Arbor | 6–8 | 209 | 13:1 |
| #7 | Davis Junior High School | Sterling Heights | 7–9 | 368 | 20:1 |
| #8 | Crestwood Middle School | Grand Rapids | 6–8 | 339 | 16:1 |
| #9 | Carleton Middle School | Sterling Heights | 6–8 | 309 | 17:1 |
| #10 | Godwin Heights Middle School | Grand Rapids | 6–8 | 410 | 18:1 |
🏫 Top 10 Best Middle Schools in Michigan
1. East Grand Rapids Middle School
Address: 2425 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Ranking: #1 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 6–8
Students: 662
Student–Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Link: Visit this school
East Grand Rapids Middle School is a public middle school in Grand Rapids serving students in grades 6–8. With approximately 662 students and a student–teacher ratio of about 19:1, the school provides structured academics and consistent instruction. The school focuses on core subjects, student responsibility, and classroom engagement, helping learners develop strong academic and organizational skills for high school readiness.
2. Clague Middle School
Address: 2616 Nixon Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Ranking: #2 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 6–8
Students: 220
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Clague Middle School is part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools district and serves grades 6–8. With around 220 students and a student–teacher ratio of 16:1, the school offers focused classroom instruction and academic support. Teachers emphasize consistency, collaboration, and academic growth, making Clague Middle School a strong option for families in the Ann Arbor area.
3. Forsythe Middle School
Address: 1655 Newport Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Ranking: #3 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 6–8
Students: 204
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Forsythe Middle School in Ann Arbor serves students in grades 6–8 and focuses on academic fundamentals and student engagement. With a student–teacher ratio of about 16:1, teachers are able to support students through structured lessons and classroom interaction. The school promotes balanced learning and helps students develop skills needed for academic success.
4. Bemis Junior High School
Address: 12500 19 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Ranking: #4 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 7–8
Students: 393
Student–Teacher Ratio: 22:1
Link: Visit this school
Bemis Junior High School in Sterling Heights serves students in grades 7–8. With approximately 393 students and a student–teacher ratio of 22:1, the school maintains a structured learning environment with clearly defined academic expectations. Bemis focuses on preparing students for high school through consistent instruction and classroom discipline.
5. Crossroads Middle School
Address: 4400 Ambrose Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Ranking: #5 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 7–8
Students: 453
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
Crossroads Middle School is a public middle school in Grand Rapids serving grades 7–8. With about 453 students and a student–teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides balanced academic instruction and classroom support. Teachers focus on core learning objectives and student participation to help learners transition smoothly into high school.
6. Scarlett Middle School
Address: 3300 Lorraine St, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Ranking: #6 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 6–8
Students: 209
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Scarlett Middle School is part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools district and serves grades 6–8. With a low student–teacher ratio of about 13:1, the school offers personalized instruction and strong academic support. Teachers work closely with students to strengthen core skills, encourage participation, and promote consistent academic progress.
7. Davis Junior High School
Address: 11311 Plumbrook Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Ranking: #7 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 7–9
Students: 368
Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Link: Visit this school
Davis Junior High School in Sterling Heights serves students in grades 7–9, offering an extended middle school experience. With approximately 368 students and a student–teacher ratio of 20:1, the school focuses on structured academics and preparing students for upper-level education. Teachers emphasize organization, discipline, and consistent learning routines.
Historical & Interesting Facts About Michigan Middle Schools
- Michigan’s public education system serves over 1.4 million students statewide.
- Middle schools typically cover grades 6–8, though some include grades 7–9.
- Ann Arbor is known for its strong academic culture and public school quality.
- Smaller student–teacher ratios support better academic engagement.
- Junior high schools are still common in parts of Michigan.
8. Crestwood Middle School
Address: 2674 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Ranking: #8 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 6–8
Students: 339
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Crestwood Middle School in Grand Rapids serves grades 6–8 and maintains a student–teacher ratio of about 16:1. The school focuses on academic consistency, classroom engagement, and student development. Teachers support students through regular instruction and help them build a strong foundation in core subjects.
9. Carleton Middle School
Address: 8900 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Ranking: #9 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 6–8
Students: 309
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit this school
Carleton Middle School in Sterling Heights is a public middle school serving grades 6–8. With approximately 309 students and a student–teacher ratio of 17:1, the school offers small class sizes and personalized academic support. Teachers focus on helping students strengthen core academic skills while encouraging classroom participation.
10. Godwin Heights Middle School
Address: 100 Wexford St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Ranking: #10 Middle School in Michigan
Grades: 6–8
Students: 410
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit this school
Godwin Heights Middle School in Grand Rapids serves students in grades 6–8 with a focus on structured instruction and academic development. With about 410 students and a student–teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides consistent learning support. Teachers help students build academic confidence and prepare for future educational challenges.
Conclusion
The best middle schools in Michigan provide strong academic instruction, supportive learning environments, and balanced class sizes. Whether in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, or Sterling Heights, these schools help students develop essential skills and confidence, preparing them for a successful transition into high school.
Recommended Reading: Best Elementary Schools in Michigan
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FAQs About Middle Schools in Michigan
Most middle schools serve grades 6–8, though some schools include grades 7–9.
Yes, junior high schools often serve grades 7–9 and focus more on subject-based learning.
Lower ratios allow teachers to provide more personalized academic support.
Yes, all schools listed are public middle schools or junior high schools.
Parents should consider academics, class size, location, and available support programs.
