Oregon is home to a diverse range of middle schools known for strong academics, innovative programs, and supportive learning environments. From charter schools and magnet programs to well-established public middle schools, families across the state have access to quality education options. This 2026 list of the best middle schools in Oregon highlights schools that consistently perform well in academics, maintain healthy student-teacher ratios, and offer enriching opportunities for students during these critical learning years.
Comparison Table – Top Middle Schools in Oregon
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Howard Street Charter | Salem | 6–8 | 186 | 74:1 |
| #2 | Beaumont Middle School | Portland | 6–8 | 217 | 15:1 |
| #3 | Gray Middle School | Portland | 6–8 | 235 | 20:1 |
| #4 | Jackson Middle School | Portland | 6–8 | 202 | 20:1 |
| #5 | Hosford Middle School | Portland | 6–8 | 172 | 20:1 |
| #6 | Jane Goodall Environmental Middle Charter School | Salem | 6–8 | 94 | 17:1 |
| #7 | Da Vinci Middle School | Portland | 6–8 | 203 | 17:1 |
| #8 | Straub Middle School | Salem | 6–8 | 380 | 23:1 |
| #9 | Judson Middle School | Salem | 6–8 | 257 | 21:1 |
| #10 | Cedar Park Middle School | Portland | 6–8 | 215 | 18:1 |
1. Howard Street Charter
Howard Street Charter School in Salem offers a small, close-knit learning environment for students in grades 6 through 8. The school emphasizes independent learning and personalized instruction, which appeals to families seeking an alternative education model. Its compact student body allows for flexibility in teaching methods, fostering responsibility and self-direction among students during their middle school years.
Address: 625 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Ranking: #1 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 186
Student–Teacher Ratio: 74:1
Link: Visit This School
2. Beaumont Middle School
Beaumont Middle School serves students in the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood of Portland and is well-regarded for its balanced academic approach. The school maintains a supportive classroom environment with manageable class sizes, helping students transition smoothly from elementary to high school. Families appreciate its structured curriculum, extracurricular offerings, and focus on steady academic growth.
Address: 4043 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97212
Ranking: #2 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 217
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Link: Visit This School
3. Gray Middle School
Located in Southwest Portland, Gray Middle School provides a well-rounded middle school experience with emphasis on academic consistency and student engagement. The school offers strong instruction across core subjects and encourages participation in enrichment activities. Families often note the school’s welcoming environment and commitment to helping students develop confidence and responsibility.
Address: 5505 SW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97239
Ranking: #3 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 235
Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Link: Visit This School
4. Jackson Middle School
Jackson Middle School serves the West Portland Park area and supports students through a structured academic framework. With a focus on core subjects and collaborative learning, the school prepares students for future academic challenges. Its consistent performance and active school community make it a dependable choice for families in the Portland area.
Address: 10625 SW 35th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
Ranking: #4 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 202
Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Link: Visit This School
5. Hosford Middle School
Hosford Middle School is located in Portland’s Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood and is known for its inclusive learning culture. The school emphasizes academic fundamentals while encouraging creativity and teamwork. Families appreciate the school’s community involvement and steady instructional approach that supports students during their middle school transition years.
Address: 2303 SE 28th Pl, Portland, OR 97214
Ranking: #5 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 172
Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Link: Visit This School
6. Jane Goodall Environmental Middle Charter School
This Salem-based charter school offers an environmentally focused curriculum inspired by conservation and sustainability. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and hands-on learning experiences. The school encourages environmental responsibility, critical thinking, and community engagement, making it unique among Oregon middle schools.
Address: 999B Locust St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Ranking: #6 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 94
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit This School
7. Da Vinci Middle School
Da Vinci Middle School in Portland focuses on academic growth through collaborative learning and structured instruction. Serving grades 6 through 8, the school provides a stable environment that supports both academic and personal development. Families value its emphasis on responsibility, creativity, and preparing students for high school success.
Address: 2508 NE Everett St, Portland, OR 97232
Ranking: #7 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 203
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Link: Visit This School
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
- Oregon has a strong tradition of charter and magnet schools offering specialized education models.
- Environmental and arts-focused middle schools are more common in Oregon than in many other states.
- Portland-area schools consistently rank high due to strong district support and community involvement.
- Salem serves as a hub for innovative charter middle schools.
- Many Oregon middle schools emphasize project-based and experiential learning.
8. Straub Middle School
Straub Middle School serves the West Salem community and offers a comprehensive curriculum for middle-grade learners. The school focuses on academic readiness, student engagement, and structured support systems. Its diverse student body and strong staff involvement contribute to a consistent and supportive educational environment.
Address: 1920 Wilmington Ave NW, Salem, OR 97304
Ranking: #8 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 380
Student–Teacher Ratio: 23:1
Link: Visit This School
9. Judson Middle School
Judson Middle School is located in central Salem and serves a large student population with a broad academic program. The school emphasizes structured learning, student accountability, and preparation for high school. Families often highlight its active school culture and balanced academic expectations.
Address: 4512 Jones Rd S, Salem, OR 97302
Ranking: #9 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 257
Student–Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Link: Visit This School
10. Cedar Park Middle School
Cedar Park Middle School operates within the Beaverton School District and serves the Cedar Hills area of Portland. Known for its steady academic programs and supportive teaching staff, the school focuses on student growth, engagement, and readiness for high school-level coursework.
Address: 11100 SW Park Way, Portland, OR 97225
Ranking: #10 Middle School in Oregon
Grades: 6–8
Students: 215
Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Link: Visit This School
Conclusion
Choosing the right middle school is an important step in a child’s academic journey. Oregon’s top middle schools for 2026 reflect a mix of traditional public schools, innovative charters, and specialized programs. Whether families prioritize small class sizes, environmental education, or structured academics, Oregon offers strong options to support student growth and long-term success.
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FAQs
Howard Street Charter ranks #1 due to its unique learning model and small student population.
Yes, Oregon has several well-regarded charter middle schools offering specialized curricula.
Jane Goodall Environmental Middle Charter School and Da Vinci Middle School offer lower student-teacher ratios.
Many Portland middle schools show strong academic consistency and community engagement.
Parents should consider academic performance, student-teacher ratios, school culture, and proximity.
