Finding the right middle school for your child is a meaningful decision that can shape their academic path and future opportunities. In Washtenaw County, some public middle schools rise above the rest thanks to their strong performance and impressive rankings, making them standout options for families.

To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best public middle schools in Washtenaw County, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback, and academic performance indicators such as test scores and college readiness.

Read on to see which Washtenaw County public middle schools made the list.

Read more: Best Middle Schools in Metro Detroit

Best middle schools in Washtenaw County

Clague Middle School, Ann Arbor (A)

• Address: 2616 Nixon Road, Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Opened in 1972, Clague Middle School serves over 700 students for grades six through eight.

The student-teacher ratio is 19 to 1, and according to state scores, 68% of students are at least proficient in math and 77% in reading.

Tappan Middle School, Ann Arbor (A)

• Address: 2251 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Named after Henry Philip Tappan, the first president of the University of Michigan. 

Established in 1951, The school is situated on 20 acres in the southeast sector of Ann Arbor and has undergone multiple renovations, including solar array installations and cafeteria upgrades.

Slauson Middle School, Ann Arbor (A)

• Address: 1019 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Named after Herbert Slauson, a former Ann Arbor Superintendent of Schools.

The school was established in 1937 and is located on 12 acres in the northwest sector of Ann Arbor. It offers a variety of after-school clubs, including Anime Club and Comic Book Club.

Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside, Ann Arbor (A)

• Address: 912 Barton Drive, Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Ann Arbor Steam rebranded in 2014.

Formerly Northside Elementary, it was transformed into a K–8 magnet school focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The renovation included brightening the building’s interior and introducing a problem-solving learning style.

Mill Creek Middle School, Dexter (A)

• Address: 7305 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd., Dexter
• School District: Dexter Community Schools
• Why It Stands Out: Mill Creek’s goal “is to provide an academically challenging program while addressing the social and emotional needs of all children,” according to its website. “Staff strive to give each child a sense of belonging as students navigate the adolescent years.”
  

“Mill Creek uses research-based team teaching,” the website states. “Students also have the choice to explore a variety of programs through our elective program, which offers over 50 courses students may choose from.”

Forsythe Middle School, Ann Arbor (A)

• Address: 1655 Newport Road, Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: The school serves grades six through eight and has a mission to educate students to become lifelong learners who are knowledgeable, respectful and responsible citizens.

Forsythe was established in 1960 and its mascot is a Viking.

Saline Middle School, Saline (A)

• Address: 7190 N. Maple Road, Saline
• School District: Saline Area Schools
• Why It Stands Out: “We believe engaging our students creates possibilities,” Superintendent Stephen D. Laatsch states. “As part of our enduring commitment to developing opportunities for our students, we encourage them to explore a variety of unique experiences, hands-on activities, and a diverse set of course offerings. 

“We are dedicated to giving your child more and helping them develop individual excellence on the pathway toward achieving personal goals. As a direct result of these efforts, approximately 97% of our graduating seniors attend two or four year institutions.”

Beach Middle School, Chelsea (A)

• Address: 445 Mayer Drive, Chelsea
• School District: Chelsea School District
• Why It Stands Out: The school offers opportunities in 10 different sports and 12 clubs throughout the year. 

It also ranks #1 in Washtenaw County in Math on both the PSAT8 and MSTEP assessments.

Ann Arbor Open at Mack School, Ann Arbor (A)

• Address: 920 Miller Ave., Ann Arbor
• School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Why It Stands Out: The school was designed in a “modified castle” style and was one of the first in Ann Arbor to include kindergartens and libraries.

“Ann Arbor Open School offers a radical educational alternative to students, teachers and parents in the Ann Arbor Public School District,” its website states. “Parents and teachers founded The Open School in the belief that children come to school already immersed in their own learning and have their own strengths and interests. We seek to support the individual and provide guidance, stimulation and support. Ann Arbor Open School strives to be a leading educational force in open education.”

Creekside Intermediate School,  Dexter (A-)

• Address: 2615 Baker Road, Dexter
• School District: Dexter Community Schools
• Why It Stands Out: The school has beehives and a honeybee club, a farm-to-school program, and a Kitchen & Garden Classroom. It also earned the Michigan Healthy Schools: School Wellness Silver Award in 2019.

Creekside was established in 2002.

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