Finding the right middle school for your child can be difficult. Different schools provide different programs. It’s all about finding what fits your family’s needs. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top middle schools in Tucson, providing general program offerings, and scores from Great Schools to give you an easy-start guide to finding a middle school in Tucson that’s right for you.
It’s time for enrollment! Check out these middle schools in Tucson.
1. The Academy of Math & Science
Topping our list of top middle schools in Tucson is The Academies of Math & Science. The Academy is a tuition-free elementary and middle school in Tucson that focuses on college prep, STEM education. Curriculum is geared towards motivated and advanced learners who are tired of being bored in the classroom, but they also offer free tutoring and remediation for students interested in catching up and getting ahead. Academy of Math & Science Prince, located on Prince and Flowing Wells, was founded in Tucson in 2000 and holds a 9/10 ranking on Great Schools.
Key program offerings:
- Subjects include Math, Science, Technology, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Music, Foreign Language, and PE for all grades.
- Arizona Charter School of the Year in 2016
- Accelerated classes with curriculum one year above grade-level for students who place high during placement testing
- Free tutoring and remediation
- Rigorous STEM education including Science, Technology, Robotics, and Mathematics.
- Enriching arts and music program including choir, band, guitar, piano, and performing arts.
- Foreign languages program starting in Kindergarten including Russian, Spanish, and Mandarin
- Resources for students including chromebooks, fully equipped Science-Labs, access to cameras, computers, Robotics equipment and more.
- Low-cost after care for students
- Extracurriculars like Folklorico, Martial Arts, Yearbook, Media, Robotics, Science Olympiad, and competitive math teams.
- Sports teams that are a part of Canyon Athletics Association (CAA) division competitions including football, track & field, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, and more.
- SPED and ELL programs
- High-performing school for state testing, scoring over the state average by an average of 38% in all subjects
Real Parent Review:
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“This school has a great curriculum for kids who need that extra challenge at school. The support from the teachers and communication made it easy to give my children the support needed for homework. The homework is very consistent and therefore we always knew what to expect. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for that extra challenge for [their] children.” — Mariana Torres, Parent at AMS Prince (via Google)
2. Khalsa Montessori School
Khalsa Montessori School is located on River Rd, near Alvernon and provides a great option for middle school in Tucson. Their middle school curriculum uses direct instruction with an integrated, experiential, project-based syllabus. They are a holistic school, that maintains a vegetarian and sugar-free policy on-campus and hold a score of 9/10 on Great Schools.
Key program offerings:
- Education revolving around the idea of self-discipline, motivation, and independent thinking
- Subjects include language arts, math, science, humanities, and social studies.
- Hands-on learning and leadership training to help students move from the classroom into the community
- Extended care and summer programs available
- Extracurriculars such as chess, martial arts, yoga, drama, music, and art.
- Program for students with disabilities available
- High-performing school for state testing in English, Math, and Science, scoring at least 28% or higher above the state average.
Real parent review:
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“I absolutely love this school! It is the best! The teachers and students are absolutely the best. I highly, highly recommend this school for anyone who is looking for a bully free, clean, natural school!” — Adam Sissoko, Parent at Khalsa Montessori School (via Google)
3. Presidio School
Presidio School is a college preparatory school that serves grades K-12 and provides a good option for middle schoolers in Tucson. They were selected as the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2007 and hold a score of 9/10 on Great Schools.
Key program offerings:
- Subjects include language arts and literature, history and geography, mathematics, science, music, and visual arts
- Elective classes including tae kwon do, music, dance, art, and Spanish.
- Character Counts program based on the pillars of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship
- After-care and after-school enrichment programs available
- Extracurricular sports and clubs include student council, cheerleading, and basketball
- Programs for students with disabilities are available
- High-performing school for state testing, receiving an average of 27% above the state average.
Real parent review:
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“My family has had a great experience thus far with Presidio School. Communication was a major concern to me, after having some horrible experiences with past schools. Presidio has exceeded my expectations in every way. Thank you to everyone at Presidio! Keep up the good work!” — S.S., Parent at Presidio School (via Google)
4. Legacy Traditional School — Northwest Tucson
Legacy Traditional School is a public charter school located in northwest Tucson that provides a Back-to-Basics approach to learning. They provide bell-to-bell instruction, an integrated Language Arts curriculum and accelerated math. They hold a score of 7/10 on Great Schools.
Key program offerings:
- Curriculum is heavy in English Language Arts, and also includes mathematics, science, social studies, computers, Spanish, PE, and art.
- Mozart Performing Arts program featuring piano, instrumental music, orchestra, vocal performance, and music history and theory.
- Accredited with AvancED, a non-profit organization that conducts rigorous on-site reviews of PreK-12 schools.
- Sports and extracurricular activities include flag football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, and cross country.
- Reputation for participating in district spelling bees, geography bees, science fairs, speech contests, and art fairs.
- SPED and ELL services available
- Test scores are above the state average in English and Math, scoring an average of 18% above the state average.
Real parent review:
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“The school has an extremely supportive staff and student success is utmost in their minds. The run a tight, structured ship. I have three children who have gone or are going through
I would strongly recommend checking it out if you are looking for an environment that will challenge your child and support him/her.” — Liz Biocca, Parent at Legacy Traditional School (via Google)
5. Sonoran Science Academy — East
Sonoran Science Academy is an elementary and middle school in Tucson that offers college preparatory, STEM education. Their philosophy is to provide STEM education with instruction in writing, and the arts, supplemented with opportunities for healthy physical activity. They provide emphasis on outcomes, visual aids, and technology. They hold a score of 7/10 on Great Schools
Key program offerings:
- Subjects include science, math, language arts, robotics, technology, engineering, PE, and more
- Gifted and talented education available
- Morning and after-care program available
- Reputation for participating in art competitions, math competitions, Science Olympiad, Robotics, and writing competitions.
- Test scores are above-average, scoring an average of 19% above the state average.
Real parent review:
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“Our kids have been a part of Sonoran Science Academy since 2008. We plan to have all of the children graduate from high school at SSA. Our children receive a wide range of classes; not just math and science. They offer a variety of after-school clubs, tutoring, and other extracurricular activities.
We are especially pleased with how the teachers take a devoted interest in their students. Anytime one of our children has needed extra help, they have received one on one attention. The class sizes are limited, which allows for a better teacher to student ratios and interactions. If you’re looking for a school with