For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,526 students in La Mesa, CA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in La Mesa, CA are La Mesa Arts Academy, Jcs - Manzanita and Parkway Sports And Health Science Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Mesa, CA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in La Mesa have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 74% 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 La Mesa, CA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Mesa Arts Academy
(Math: 52% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4200 Parks Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-5730
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-5730
Gr: 5-8 | 1,059 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Jcs - Manzanita
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5300 Jackson Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-4344
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-4344
Gr: K-12 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
Parkway Sports And Health Science Academy
(Math: 30% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
9009 Park Plaza Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 668-5810
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 668-5810
Gr: 6-8 | 897 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
Learning Choice Academy - Chula Vista
Charter School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
881 Kuhn Dr., Ste. 106
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 463-6801
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 463-6801
Gr: K-12 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #55.
Vista La Mesa Academy
(Math: 29% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3900 Violet St.
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 825-5645
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 825-5645
Gr: K-8 | 518 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #66.
Bancroft Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
8805 Tyler St.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-5890
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-5890
Gr: K-8 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
La Mesa, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
3291 Buckman Springs Rd.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-2782
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-2782
Gr: 5-8
East Region Community (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 6-12 | 266 students Minority enrollment: 74%
East Region Community School Of Greater El Cajon (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 7-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
East Region Community School Of Greater La Mesa (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 7-12 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
East Region Court (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: K-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Gateway Community Day (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
8691 Echo Dr
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 258-3740
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 258-3740
Gr: 9-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Gateway West Community Day (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
8693 La Mesa Blvd
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 667-2707
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 667-2707
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Grossmont Union High Special Education Program (Closed 2017)
Special Education School
1100 Murray Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 644-8115
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 644-8115
South And East Community Day Schools (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
8374-6 Hercules St.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 9-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in La Mesa, CA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in La Mesa, CA include La Mesa Arts Academy, Jcs - Manzanita and Parkway Sports And Health Science Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in La Mesa?
6 public middle schools are located in La Mesa.
What is the racial composition of students in La Mesa?
La Mesa public middle schools minority enrollment is 74% 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 La Mesa are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in La Mesa include: Parkway Sports And Health Science Academy vs. La Mesa Arts Academy, La Mesa Arts Academy vs. Parkway Sports And Health Science Academy
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.