For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,936 students in Santa Monica, CA. The top-ranked public middle schools in Santa Monica, CA are Lincoln Middle School, Santa Monica Alternative (K-8) and John Adams Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Santa Monica, CA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Santa Monica have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of California public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lincoln Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1501 California Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-9227
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-9227
Gr: 6-8 | 914 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #22.
Santa Monica Alternative (K-8)
Alternative School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2525 Fifth St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-2640
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 396-2640
Gr: K-8 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #33.
John Adams Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2425 16th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 452-2326
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 452-2326
Gr: 6-8 | 806 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Santa Monica, CA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Santa Monica, CA include Lincoln Middle School, Santa Monica Alternative (K-8) and John Adams Middle School. Santa Monica has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public middle schools are located in Santa Monica?
3 public middle schools are located in Santa Monica.
What is the racial composition of students in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica public middle schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle schools average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Santa Monica are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Santa Monica include: John Adams Middle School vs. Lincoln Middle School, Lincoln Middle School vs. John Adams Middle School, Santa Monica Alternative (K-8) vs. Lincoln Middle School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.