Missouri offers a wide range of high-quality middle schools that focus on academic excellence, student engagement, and structured learning environments. Parents searching for the best middle schools in Missouri often look at class size, grades served, and teacher support. This 2026 list highlights top-ranked middle schools across Springfield, Kansas City, and St. Louis to help families make informed educational decisions.
Best Middle Schools in Missouri – Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| 1 | Cherokee Middle School | Springfield | 6–8 | 248 | 16:1 |
| 2 | Lakeview Middle School | Kansas City | 6–8 | 325 | 11:1 |
| 3 | Hickory Hills Middle School | Springfield | 6–8 | 213 | 15:1 |
| 4 | Truman Middle School | St. Louis | 6–8 | 251 | 15:1 |
| 5 | Congress Middle School | Kansas City | 6–8 | 311 | 12:1 |
| 6 | Eastgate 6th Grade Center | Kansas City | 6 | 319 | 13:1 |
| 7 | Carver Middle School | Springfield | 6–8 | 316 | 13:1 |
| 8 | Jarrett Middle School | Springfield | 6–8 | 250 | 14:1 |
| 9 | Hickman Mills 6th–7th Grade Center | Kansas City | 6–7 | — | 11:1 |
| 10 | Hickman Mills 8th Grade Center | Kansas City | 8 | 120 | 16:1 |
🏫 Top 10 Best Middle Schools in Missouri
1. Cherokee Middle School – Springfield
Address: 420 E Farm Rd 182, Springfield, MO 65810
Ranking: #1 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–8
Students: 248
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Cherokee Middle School is a top-ranked middle school in Missouri, serving grades 6–8 in Springfield. The school is known for its strong academic programs, experienced teachers, and supportive learning environment. Cherokee Middle emphasizes student growth, core academic skills, and extracurricular involvement to prepare students for high school success.
2. Lakeview Middle School – Kansas City
Address: 6720 NW 64th St, Kansas City, MO 64151
Ranking: #2 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–8
Students: 325
Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Link: Visit this school
Lakeview Middle School serves grades 6–8 in Kansas City and is widely recognized for its low student–teacher ratio. The school focuses on academic achievement, structured instruction, and student engagement. With dedicated educators and a supportive campus culture, Lakeview Middle School consistently delivers strong learning outcomes.
3. Hickory Hills Middle School – Springfield
Address: 4650 E State Hwy YY, Springfield, MO 65802
Ranking: #3 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–8
Students: 213
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
Hickory Hills Middle School is a well-regarded school serving grades 6–8 in Springfield. The school emphasizes academic fundamentals, student responsibility, and collaborative learning. With a balanced class size and experienced teaching staff, Hickory Hills Middle School supports steady academic growth and student confidence.
4. Truman Middle School – St. Louis
Address: 12225 Eddie and Park Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127
Ranking: #4 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–8
Students: 251
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit this school
Truman Middle School serves grades 6–8 in St. Louis and offers a structured academic environment focused on student success. The school provides strong instruction in core subjects and encourages student participation in extracurricular activities. Truman Middle School is known for consistent academic performance and supportive educators.
5. Congress Middle School – Kansas City
Address: 8150 N Congress Ave, Kansas City, MO 64153
Ranking: #5 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–8
Students: 311
Student–Teacher Ratio: 12:1
Link: Visit this school
Congress Middle School is a top Kansas City middle school serving grades 6–8. The school focuses on academic readiness, student engagement, and skill development. With a favorable student–teacher ratio and diverse learning opportunities, Congress Middle School prepares students for long-term academic success.
6. Eastgate 6th Grade Center – Kansas City
Address: 4700 NE Parvin Rd, Kansas City, MO 64117
Ranking: #6 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6
Students: 319
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Eastgate 6th Grade Center serves sixth-grade students in Kansas City and focuses on easing the transition from elementary to middle school. The school offers a supportive academic environment, structured instruction, and personalized attention, helping students build confidence and foundational skills early in their middle school journey.
7. Carver Middle School – Springfield
Address: 3325 W Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65807
Ranking: #7 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–8
Students: 316
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Link: Visit this school
Carver Middle School serves grades 6–8 in Springfield and is known for its comprehensive curriculum and student-focused teaching approach. The school emphasizes academic achievement, collaboration, and extracurricular involvement. Carver Middle School provides a well-rounded learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth.
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
Missouri’s education system has evolved to support diverse learning pathways, especially in urban centers like Springfield, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Many middle schools in the state focus on transitional grade models, such as separate 6th or 8th grade centers, helping students adjust smoothly between academic stages.
8. Jarrett Middle School – Springfield
Address: 840 S Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806
Ranking: #8 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–8
Students: 250
Student–Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Link: Visit this school
Jarrett Middle School serves grades 6–8 in Springfield and offers a supportive academic setting with experienced educators. The school focuses on core academic skills, student engagement, and consistent instruction. Jarrett Middle School is known for maintaining steady academic performance and a positive learning environment.
9. Hickman Mills 6th–7th Grade Center – Kansas City
Address: 9010A Old Santa Fe Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138
Ranking: #9 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 6–7
Students: —
Student–Teacher Ratio: 11:1
Link: Visit this school
Hickman Mills 6th–7th Grade Center serves students in grades 6 and 7 in Kansas City. The school emphasizes academic foundations, structured learning, and student support. With a low student–teacher ratio, the campus focuses on personalized instruction and academic readiness.
10. Hickman Mills 8th Grade Center – Kansas City
Address: 11115 Bennington Ave, Kansas City, MO 64134
Ranking: #10 Middle School in Missouri
Grades: 8
Students: 120
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Link: Visit this school
Hickman Mills 8th Grade Center serves eighth-grade students in Kansas City and focuses on preparing learners for high school. The school emphasizes academic readiness, responsibility, and skill development. With smaller enrollment, students receive focused instruction during this critical transition year.
Conclusion
The best middle schools in Missouri stand out for their academic quality, supportive teaching environments, and structured learning programs. Schools across Springfield, Kansas City, and St. Louis provide students with strong foundations for high school success. This 2026 list helps parents confidently compare top options and choose the right middle school for their child.
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FAQs
Cherokee Middle School in Springfield ranks as the top middle school in Missouri.
Springfield and Kansas City have multiple highly ranked middle schools
Yes, schools like Eastgate 6th Grade Center and Hickman Mills 8th Grade Center are included.
Lower ratios allow for personalized attention and better academic support.
Rankings are updated annually based on enrollment data, ratios, and school performance.
