Best Middle Schools in Denver, CO

The city of Denver, Colorado is home to 32 middle schools, a mix of public and public charter schools serving grades 6-8. The data reveals a wide range in academic performance across these schools, with some standout institutions like McAuliffe International School and Morey Middle School consistently ranking among the top middle schools in the state. However, the data also highlights significant performance gaps, with high-poverty schools struggling to achieve proficiency levels seen at the top-performing institutions.

The standout schools, such as McAuliffe International, Morey Middle, and Denver Green School Northfield, boast exceptional test scores, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math well above the district average. These schools also maintain low dropout rates, indicating a strong commitment to student success. In contrast, schools with high poverty levels, like Montbello Middle and West Middle, face significant challenges, with very low proficiency rates in both core subjects.

The data also highlights the strong performance of several charter schools, such as McAuliffe International, Denver Green School Northfield, and Girls Athletic Leadership School Middle School, which are outperforming many of the traditional public schools in the School District No. 1. This underscores the importance of school choice for families in the Denver area, as the quality of education can vary greatly depending on the institution.