Utah is known for its strong education system and high-performing public schools. Middle school plays a crucial role in shaping academic skills, leadership qualities, and student confidence before high school. This carefully curated list of the Best Middle Schools in Utah (2026) highlights top-performing schools based on rankings, enrollment data, grade levels, and student–teacher ratios to help families make informed educational decisions.
Comparison Table
| Rank | School Name | City | Grades | Students | Student–Teacher Ratio |
| #1 | Butler Middle | Salt Lake City | 6–8 | 452 | 23:1 |
| #2 | Churchill Jr High | Salt Lake City | 6–8 | 534 | 25:1 |
| #3 | Clayton Middle | Salt Lake City | 7–8 | 185 | 18:1 |
| #4 | Wasatch Jr High | Salt Lake City | 6–8 | 406 | 25:1 |
| #5 | Salt Lake Arts Academy | Salt Lake City | 5–8 | 404 | 17:1 |
| #6 | Olympus Jr High | Salt Lake City | 5–9 | 395 | 26:1 |
| #7 | Evergreen Jr High | Salt Lake City | 6–9 | 316 | 21:1 |
| #8 | Hillside Middle | Salt Lake City | 7–8 | 258 | 20:1 |
| #9 | Canyon View Jr High | Orem | 7–9 | 312 | 27:1 |
| #10 | Centennial Middle | Provo | 7–8 | 372 | 25:1 |
1. Butler Middle School
Butler Middle School, located in Cottonwood Heights, serves grades 6–8 and is ranked #1 in Utah for 2026. The school emphasizes academic excellence, responsible student behavior, and a structured curriculum. With a balanced learning environment and strong community support, Butler Middle consistently prepares students for high school success through both academics and extracurricular engagement.
- Address: 7530 S 2700 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84121
- Ranking: #1 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 452
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Link: Visit This School
2. Churchill Jr High
Churchill Jr High serves students in grades 6–8 and offers a supportive academic environment in Salt Lake City. The school focuses on strong foundational learning, leadership development, and student responsibility. With experienced faculty and structured programs, Churchill provides students with opportunities to grow academically while preparing for high school transition.
- Address: 3450 Oakview Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84124
- Ranking: #2 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 534
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Link: Visit This School
3. Clayton Middle School
Clayton Middle School, located in Salt Lake City, serves grades 7–8 with a focused academic structure. The school maintains a lower student–teacher ratio compared to many schools on this list, supporting more personalized instruction. Clayton Middle emphasizes strong academic standards and student engagement to ensure steady progress before high school.
- Address: 1470 S 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108
- Ranking: #3 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 7–8
- Students: 185
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Link: Visit This School
4. Wasatch Jr High School
Wasatch Jr High School is situated in East Millcreek and serves grades 6–8. The school offers structured academics along with extracurricular programs that promote well-rounded development. Its suburban setting provides a focused learning atmosphere where students receive consistent academic guidance and support from experienced educators.
- Address: 3750 S 3100 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109
- Ranking: #4 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 6–8
- Students: 406
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Link: Visit This School
5. Salt Lake Arts Academy
Salt Lake Arts Academy is unique for its arts-integrated curriculum serving grades 5–8. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, the school blends academic excellence with creative arts education. Students benefit from smaller class sizes, allowing teachers to provide individual attention while nurturing artistic talents alongside core academic learning.
- Address: 844 S 200 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
- Ranking: #5 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 5–8
- Students: 404
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Link: Visit This School
6. Olympus Jr High School
Olympus Jr High School serves grades 5–9 and is located in a scenic suburban area of Salt Lake City. The school emphasizes academic rigor and student preparation for higher grades. With structured coursework and extracurricular opportunities, Olympus Jr High supports both academic achievement and personal growth.
- Address: 2217 E 4800 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84117
- Ranking: #6 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 5–9
- Students: 395
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Link: Visit This School
7. Evergreen Jr High School
Evergreen Jr High serves grades 6–9 and is located in the Sugar House area. The school provides a balanced educational approach with academic focus and student development programs. Teachers aim to create a supportive learning environment where students build critical thinking and leadership skills.
- Address: 3401 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109
- Ranking: #7 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 6–9
- Students: 316
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Link: Visit This School
📚 Historical & Interesting Facts
Utah consistently ranks among the top states for education quality in the U.S. Many middle schools in Utah operate under the “junior high” model, often serving grades 7–9. The state emphasizes community involvement, structured academic progression, and extracurricular engagement. Arts-integrated and specialized academies have also grown in popularity, reflecting Utah’s commitment to diverse learning pathways.
8. Hillside Middle School
Hillside Middle School serves grades 7–8 and is situated in a well-established Salt Lake City neighborhood. The school focuses on academic achievement and preparing students for high school expectations. Its moderate student–teacher ratio allows for structured classroom instruction and improved student interaction.
- Address: 1825 S Nevada, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108
- Ranking: #8 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 7–8
- Students: 258
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Link: Visit This School
9. Canyon View Jr High School
Canyon View Jr High, located in Orem, serves grades 7–9 and offers a suburban learning environment. The school focuses on structured academics and student growth. With diverse programs and academic opportunities, students receive preparation for both high school and future academic success.
- Address: 625 E 950 N, Orem, UT, 84097
- Ranking: #9 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 7–9
- Students: 312
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 27:1
- Link: Visit This School
10. Centennial Middle School
Centennial Middle School in Provo serves grades 7–8 and provides a structured academic environment. The school encourages leadership, responsibility, and consistent academic effort. Its location near community resources and parks contributes to a supportive learning atmosphere for middle-grade students.
- Address: 305 E 2320 N, Provo, UT, 84604
- Ranking: #10 Middle School in Utah
- Grades: 7–8
- Students: 372
- Student–Teacher Ratio: 25:1
Link: Visit This School
Conclusion
The Best Middle Schools in Utah (2026) offer a strong academic foundation, supportive faculty, and structured environments to help students succeed. Whether families prefer smaller class sizes, arts-focused programs, or traditional junior high models, Utah provides diverse options to meet different educational needs.
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FAQs
Butler Middle School ranks #1 in Utah for 2026.
Salt Lake City dominates the top 10 list with multiple high-performing schools.
Utah commonly follows a junior high model that may include grades 7–9.
A ratio between 15:1 and 20:1 is generally considered favorable.
Most schools listed are public schools, with some specialized academies included.
