For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,911 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 55% 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 | 884 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 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 | 219 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
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 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Santa Monica, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Smmusd Community Day (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
1401 Olympic St.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-5739
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 581-5739
Gr: 9-12 | 22 students Minority enrollment: 91%
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 55% 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
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