Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Improved Public Middle Schools in California (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Improved Public Middle Schools in California (2026)

The most improved public middle schools in California are Willowbrook Middle School, Alameda County Juvenile Hall/court and Santa Clara County Court.
A school's improvement is based on a its total rise in ranking spots during the last five years (2021-26).
Improved Rank Range: 5,137 7,715 Avg. Improved Rank: 6,214

Most Improved Public Middle Schools in California (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Ranking Change (2021-26)
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Willowbrook Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +7715
(from 8,770 to 1,055)
Grades: 6-8
2601 North Wilmington Ave.
Compton, CA 90222
(310) 604-2706
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Alameda County Juvenile Hall/court
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6646
(from 9,243 to 2,597)
Grades: K-12
2500 Fairmont Ave.
San Leandro, CA 94578
(510) 670-7609
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Santa Clara County Court
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6646
(from 9,243 to 2,597)
Grades: 6-12
1290 Ridder Park Dr. Mc213
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 573-3070
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Merced County Juvenile Court
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6573
(from 9,170 to 2,597)
Grades: K-12
2840 West Sandy Mush Rd.
Merced, CA 95341
(209) 381-4528
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Stanislaus County West Campus
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6573
(from 9,170 to 2,597)
Grades: K-12
2215 Blue Gum Ave.
Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 567-4739
Rank: #66.
San Benito County Opportunity
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6570
(from 9,167 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-9
191 Alvarado St.
Hollister, CA 95023
(831) 636-8408
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Academy For Change
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6528
(from 9,125 to 2,597)
Grades: 6-12
290 East Ave.
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 891-3092
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Providence
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6528
(from 9,125 to 2,597)
Grades: K-12
4333 Vineyard Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 981-5800
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
John F. Cruikshank Junior
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6518
(from 9,115 to 2,597)
Grades: K-12
2707 Transworld Dr.
Stockton, CA 95213
(209) 468-4847
Rank: #9 - 109. - 10.
Thomas Riley High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6518
(from 9,115 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
1524 East 103rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90002
(323) 563-6692
Rank: #1111.
Harold Mcalister High (Opportunity)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6504
(from 9,101 to 2,597)
Grades: 6-12
1321 Cortez St.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 250-2015
Rank: #1212.
Santa Barbara County Community
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6497
(from 9,094 to 2,597)
Grades: 5-12
4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93160
(805) 967-5307
Rank: #13 - 1513. - 15.
Aggeler Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6470
(from 9,067 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
21050 Plummer St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 341-1232
Rank: #13 - 1513. - 15.
Calaveras River Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6470
(from 9,067 to 2,597)
Grades: 6-12
150 Old Oak Rd.
San Andreas, CA 95249
(209) 754-1996
Rank: #13 - 1513. - 15.
Santa Barbara County Juvenile Court
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6470
(from 9,067 to 2,597)
Grades: 5-12
4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 967-5307
Rank: #1616.
Eagle Summit Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6419
(from 9,016 to 2,597)
Grades: 6-12
9258 Malpaso Rd.
Phelan, CA 92329
(760) 868-5400
Rank: #1717.
Santa Rosa French-american Charter (Srfacs)
Charter School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +6360
(from 8,108 to 1,748)
Grades: K-8
1350 Sonoma Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 890-3930
Rank: #1818.
Sierra Vista
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6337
(from 8,842 to 2,505)
Grades: 3-12
5280 Stirling St.
Auburn, CA 95603
(916) 277-8799
Rank: #19 - 2419. - 24.
Bellflower Alternative Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6245
(from 8,842 to 2,597)
Grades: K-12
16703 South Clark Ave.
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 866-9011
Rank: #19 - 2419. - 24.
Carr Lake Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6245
(from 8,842 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
10 Sherwood Pl.
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 796-7700
Rank: #19 - 2419. - 24.
Duncan-russell Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6245
(from 8,842 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
650 W. 10th St.
Tracy, CA 95376
(209) 830-3395
Rank: #19 - 2419. - 24.
Fort Sage Middle School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6245
(from 8,842 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-8
200 Ds Hall
Herlong, CA 96113
(530) 827-2101
Rank: #19 - 2419. - 24.
J. C. Montgomery
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6245
(from 8,842 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
690 East Dr.
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 584-1441
Rank: #19 - 2419. - 24.
Redding Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6245
(from 8,842 to 2,597)
Grades: 1-8
5885 East Bonnyview Rd.
Redding, CA 96099
(530) 225-0406
Rank: #2525.
Marshall Academy Of The Arts
(Math: 44% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6144
(from 8,254 to 2,110)
Grades: 6-8
5870 East Wardlow Rd.
Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 429-7013
Rank: #2626.
Solano Co Juve Detention Facility - Evergreen Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +6049
(from 8,646 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
740 Beck Ave.
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 399-4840
Rank: #2727.
Melrose Leadership Academy
(Math: 46% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +5895
(from 8,635 to 2,740)
Grades: K-8
4730 Fleming Ave.
Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 879-2152
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Gene Drevno Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +5862
(from 8,459 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
2291 West Washington Ave.
Torrance, CA 90509
(310) 972-6962
Rank: #28 - 2928. - 29.
Valley Community Day
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +5862
(from 8,459 to 2,597)
Grades: 7-12
15430 Shadybend Dr.
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
(626) 933-3400
Rank: #3030.
Claremont Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +5540
(from 7,686 to 2,146)
Grades: 6-8
5750 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 879-2201
Rank: #3131.
Cobalt Institute Of Math And Science
(Math: 35% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Rank Change: +5376
(from 8,202 to 2,826)
Grades: 7-12
14045 Topaz Rd.
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 955-2530
Rank: #3232.
Junction City Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
Rank Change: +5348
(from 6,232 to 884)
Grades: K-8
430 Red Hill Rd.
Junction City, CA 96048
(530) 623-6381
Rank: #3333.
Parkside Montessori
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
Rank Change: +5334
(from 6,695 to 1,361)
Grades: K-8
1685 Eisenhower St.
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 312-7575
Rank: #3434.
Washington Irving Mid School Math Music And Engr Magnet
Alternative School
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +5143
(from 8,070 to 2,927)
Grades: 6-8
3010 Estara Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 259-3700
Rank: #3535.
Wilson Alternative
Alternative School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
Rank Change: +5137
(from 8,996 to 3,859)
Grades: K-12
1840 Benton St.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 423-3600
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