Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 22101

Middle schools in zip code 22101, encompassing the McLean, Virginia area, are served by a single exceptional institution, Cooper Middle, which accommodates 7th and 8th graders within the highly regarded Fairfax County Public Schools district. Cooper Middle stands out as a consistent elite performer, ranking in the top 5% of Virginia middle schools for three consecutive years, including an 18th place finish out of 416 schools for the 2025-2026 school year with a 5-star rating.

Academically, Cooper Middle posts extraordinary results that far exceed district and state benchmarks. Reading proficiency is remarkably high, with roughly 95% of both 7th and 8th graders scoring proficient, outpacing the state average by more than 20 percentage points. Science proficiency is equally impressive at 91.85%, well above the district's 74.22%. The school's advanced mathematics program is nearly flawless, with 100% proficiency in Geometry and Algebra I for 7th graders and similarly near-perfect scores in 8th-grade advanced courses. By contrast, standard 8th-grade math proficiency, while still above state averages at 65.91%, reveals a significant internal gap, suggesting the school excels at accelerating its highest-achieving students while the general math population faces more challenge. The school's overall strength is reinforced by a low chronic absenteeism rate of 8.9%, a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 12.3, and per-student spending of $10,015.

The school serves a highly affluent community, as reflected in the very low free/reduced lunch eligibility rate of just 3.11%, which aligns with its strong attendance and abundant resources. While only one middle school exists in this zip code, Cooper Middle's consistently elite ranking, exceptional reading and science outcomes, and nearly perfect advanced math scores make it a standout choice. Its only relative weakness—standard 8th-grade math—still outperforms both district and state averages, ensuring that Cooper Middle remains a top-tier educational option in Northern Virginia for families in this area seeking a rigorous, well-supported academic environment for their children.