Picking the right middle school is an important part of a child’s education. There are a lot of good middle schools in Minneapolis that have a good mix of academics, student support, and class sizes that are easy to handle. This list of the best middle schools in Minneapolis for 2026 focuses on student–teacher ratios, learning environments, and the overall quality of the schools to help families make smart choices.
How We Found the Best Middle Schools in Minneapolis
The schools on this list were chosen based on the most important things that parents look for in a middle school. These include the number of students per teacher, which affects how much attention each student gets, the school’s location and accessibility, and the school’s reputation in the Minneapolis school system as a whole. Middle schools with smaller class sizes and a focus on helping students learn tend to make the transition to high school easier for kids.
A Quick Look at Minneapolis Middle Schools
While increasing academic and social growth throughout their educational careers is an important aspect for students in Minneapolis’ middle schools, families exploring the best elementary schools in Minneapolis often see that Minneapolis’ middle schools maintain a similar goal for strong academic and student support. All of Minneapolis’ schools concentrate on improving Math, Reading and Science, and also develop students’ ability to emotionally manage their feelings, and enhance their positive social skills. Many Schools offer the opportunity for their students to have inclusive classrooms, employ empathetic forms of emotional health care and prepare their students for the expectations of High School.
1. Anthony Middle School
Address: 5757 Irving Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
There is one teacher for every 21 students.
Anthony Middle School is a structured learning environment where students can focus on doing well in school. The school has a bigger class size than some of the other schools on this list, but it focuses on working together, being involved in class, and taking on more responsibility during the middle school years.
You can read more about this school here.
2. Middle School in Sanford
Address: 3524 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
18 students for every teacher
Sanford Middle School is known for keeping class sizes balanced, which helps teachers help students better. The school teaches the basics while also encouraging students to think for themselves and be independent, which are important skills for students getting ready for high school.
You can read more about this school here.
3. Anwatin Middle School
Address: 5757 Irving Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
There is one teacher for every 21 students.
Anthony Middle School is a structured learning environment where students can focus on doing well in school. The school has a bigger class size than some of the other schools on this list, but it focuses on working together, being involved in class, and taking on more responsibility during the middle school years.
You can read more about this school here.
4. Middle School in Sanford
Address: 1200 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904
7 students for every teacher
Middle School Right Fit is known for having a very low student-teacher ratio, which allows for very personalized teaching. The school meets students where they are academically and socially by giving them targeted help, flexible ways to learn, and a safe place to be for students who do better in smaller classes.
You can read more about this school here.
5. Middle School Is the Right Fit
Address: 256 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
The ratio of students to teachers is 13 to 1.
Anwatin Middle School is known for having a low student-to-teacher ratio, which lets teachers give more personalized instruction. During this time of change, smaller class sizes help students learn in their own way, build stronger relationships with their teachers, and get more focused academic help.
You can read more about this school here.
6. Middle School Olson
Address: 1607 51st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55430
There is one teacher for 11 students.
Olson Middle School has one of the best student-to-teacher ratios of any middle school in Minneapolis. This smaller ratio helps make the classroom a supportive place to learn, where each student gets individual attention. This makes it a good choice for families who want personalized education.
You can read more about this school here.
7. Franklin Middle School
Address: 1501 Aldrich Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
There are 12 students for every teacher.
Franklin Middle School is a great place to learn because it focuses on personalized instruction. Because there are so few students per teacher, teachers can keep a close eye on how their students are doing, give them academic help when they need it, and encourage them to get involved in class.
You can read more about this school here.
8. Global Arts Plus Upper
Address: Saint Paul, MN 55102, 810 Palace Ave
There are 15 students for every teacher.
Global Arts Plus Upper is a middle school that focuses on a creative, arts-integrated way of teaching. The school has a good student-to-teacher ratio, which helps students learn in their own way and encourages them to explore music, visual arts, and performance as well as their core subjects. This setting helps students become more confident, creative, and aware of other cultures.
You can read more about this school here.
9. Willow Creek Middle School
Address: 2425 11th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
There are 18 students for every teacher.
Willow Creek Middle School is a structured place to learn, with a focus on core subjects and students being responsible. The school’s small class sizes let teachers interact with students in a meaningful way while also getting them ready for the academic demands of high school through regular lessons and help.
You can read more about this school here.
10. Farnsworth Aerospace Upper
Address: 1000 Walsh St., Saint Paul, MN 55106.
There are 13 students for every teacher.
Farnsworth Aerospace Upper is known for its strong focus on learning about STEM and aerospace. The small number of students to teachers makes it possible for hands-on learning, project-based learning, and close teacher support. This makes it a great choice for students who want to learn about science, engineering, and technology.
You can read more about this school here.
Why Student-Teacher Ratio Is Important in Middle Schools
When it comes to Middle Schoolers, generally speaking, the fewer the number of students per teacher, the better the academic performance of the Middle School student, especially as the classes at this level tend to become increasingly challenging. Fewer students per teacher gives the teachers the ability to identify any learning deficits in students early on in their Middle School career, and help with academic concerns as well as support with the social-emotional development of the young students.
What Parents Should Look For When Choosing a Middle School in Minneapolis
In selecting a middle school in Minneapolis, one consideration may be the school’s academic rating; however, there may be more factors to consider in order to ensure quality education and support for your child. Other factors may include visiting the school’s campus and meeting with teachers, understanding how class size impacts children’s ability to learn, confirming that the school maintains an open line of communications with students, parents/trustees, and teachers. Additionally, you will want to consider the surrounding community in which the school is located (for example, libraries, parks, and things to do in Minneapolis), since these elements typically support children’s learning outside of the classroom. In conclusion, schools that maintain an open line of communication among everyone involved with a student’s education; provide students with the necessary resources for success; and have a student-to-teacher ratio that is manageable tend to be the most successful educational institutions.
Conclusion
There are numerous options available to students with different academic levels attending many Middle Schools throughout Minneapolis. Each school offers its unique opportunities for students to experience a more hands-on learning environment or to build stronger connections with their peers than they have at other middle school locations. With the student-teacher ratio being an important factor, school culture, and the academic support services a school provides to its students, families can choose a Middle School that will help their child be successful in high school and thereafter.
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