Phillip EdwinDallas is home to some of the most highly ranked middle schools in Texas, with Dallas ISD campuses consistently dominating state and regional rankings. According to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Dallas ISD’s William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted was named the No. 1 middle school in Texas.
The district’s gifted and talented academies and magnet schools, including Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy and the School for Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove, also rank among the top schools in the state . Many of these schools feature specialized programs, including International Baccalaureate, STEAM, and career exploration academies.
Top 15 Dallas Middle Schools In Texas
1. William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted
William B. Travis Academy is the top-ranked middle school in Texas for the current school year, according to U.S. News & World Report. This Dallas ISD magnet school serves academically talented and gifted students with a rigorous, accelerated curriculum designed to challenge high-achieving learners.
The school is part of Dallas ISD’s Vanguard program, which provides specialized instruction for gifted and talented students . Student proficiencies in reading and mathematics on state assessments were key factors in achieving this top ranking.
2. Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy
Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy ranks as the No. 3 middle school in Texas for 2026 according to U.S. News, and was also recognized as the No. 1 middle school in the North Texas area . This Dallas ISD academy serves students in grades 4-8 with a focus on gifted and talented education . The school reports exceptional test scores with 96% of students proficient in math and 95% proficient in reading . With 442 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a focused learning environment.
3. School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove
The School for the Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove ranked No. 4 in Texas middle schools for 2024-2025 according to U.S. News, and was also named the No. 1 Gold Ribbon middle school in the North Texas area. This Dallas ISD campus serves students in grades 4-8 with an emphasis on academically talented and gifted education. The school reports 93% proficiency in math and 92% proficiency in reading, with 382 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
4. Highland Park Middle School
Highland Park Middle School, located at 3555 Granada Ave in Dallas, is one of the top-performing middle schools in the Dallas area. The school serves grades 7-8 with 968 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Highland Park Middle reports exceptional test scores with 83% of students proficient in math and 88% proficient in reading. The student body is 80.3% White, with minority enrollment of approximately 20%. The school has a 100% teacher certification rate.
5. Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy
Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy is a magnet school in Dallas ISD that ranks No. 16 among Texas middle schools. The school serves grades 6-8 with 431 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 . Longfellow reports 87% proficiency in math and 92% proficiency in reading, reflecting its strong academic program. The school focuses on career exploration and preparation alongside rigorous academics.
6. George B. Dealey Montessori Academy
George B. Dealey Montessori Academy is a magnet school in Dallas ISD serving grades PK-8 with 636 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. The school reports 83% proficiency in math and 89% proficiency in reading. Dealey offers a Montessori approach to education, providing students with self-directed, hands-on learning experiences in a supportive environment.
7. Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School is a Dallas ISD magnet school serving grades 6-12 with 610 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. The school reports 79% proficiency in math and 93% proficiency in reading. This school focuses on developing young women leaders through a rigorous academic program and leadership development opportunities.
8. Dallas Environmental Science Academy
Dallas Environmental Science Academy is a magnet school in Dallas ISD serving grades 6-8 with 418 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. The school reports 78% proficiency in math and 87% proficiency in reading. This academy focuses on environmental science education, preparing students for careers in STEM fields through hands-on learning and real-world applications.
9. Rosemont Upper
Rosemont Upper serves grades 3-8 with 445 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. The school reports 85-89% proficiency in math and 80-84% proficiency in reading, reflecting strong academic performance. Minority enrollment is 90%, and the school serves a diverse student population in the Dallas area.
10. Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith
Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy is a magnet school in Dallas ISD serving grades 6-12 with 541 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. The school reports 54% proficiency in math and 81% proficiency in reading . This academy focuses on developing young men as leaders through a college-preparatory curriculum and character education program.
11. Trinity Heights Gifted and Talented School
Trinity Heights Gifted and Talented School serves grades 1-8 with 313 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. The school reports 80% proficiency in math and 79% proficiency in reading. As a gifted and talented school, Trinity Heights provides accelerated instruction for academically advanced students in a supportive learning environment.
12. Uplift Education – North Hills Prep Middle School
Uplift Education – North Hills Prep Middle School is a charter school serving grades 6-8 with 501 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. The school reports 84% proficiency in math and 87% proficiency in reading. Minority enrollment is 92%, reflecting the diverse community served by this Uplift Education campus.
13. Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs
Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs is a Dallas ISD school that was recognized as a top 10 Gold Ribbon middle school in the North Texas area. This academy focuses on STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) for young women, preparing them for careers in these fields.
14. Solar Preparatory School for Girls at Bonham
Solar Preparatory School for Girls at Bonham serves grades PK-8 with 722 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. The school reports 63% proficiency in math and 79% proficiency in reading. This all-girls preparatory school focuses on academic excellence and leadership development in a supportive, single-gender environment.
15. Harry Stone Montessori Academy
Harry Stone Montessori Academy is a magnet school in Dallas ISD serving grades PK-8 with 524 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. The school reports 53% proficiency in math and 76% proficiency in reading. This Montessori school provides self-directed, hands-on learning experiences for students in a diverse educational setting.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Grades | Student Count | Math Proficiency | Reading Proficiency | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William B. Travis Academy | 4‑8 | Varies | Top 1% in TX | Top 1% in TX | #1 middle school in Texas (U.S. News Just Recently) |
| 2 | Sudie L. Williams TAG Academy | 4‑8 | 442 | 96% | 95% | #3 in Texas, #1 in North Texas |
| 3 | School for TAG in Pleasant Grove | 4‑8 | 382 | 93% | 92% | #4 in Texas, #1 Gold Ribbon |
| 4 | Highland Park Middle School | 7‑8 | 968 | 83% | 88% | 14:1 student‑teacher ratio, 100% certified teachers |
| 5 | Henry W. Longfellow Academy | 6‑8 | 431 | 87% | 92% | Career exploration magnet |
| 6 | George B. Dealey Montessori | PK‑8 | 636 | 83% | 89% | Montessori program |
| 7 | Irma Rangel Young Women’s | 6‑12 | 610 | 79% | 93% | Young women’s leadership |
| 8 | Dallas Environmental Science | 6‑8 | 418 | 78% | 87% | Environmental science focus |
| 9 | Rosemont Upper | 3‑8 | 445 | 85–89% | 80–84% | Diverse student population |
| 10 | Barack Obama Male Leadership | 6‑12 | 541 | 54% | 81% | Young men’s leadership |
| 11 | Trinity Heights TAG School | 1‑8 | 313 | 80% | 79% | Gifted and talented program |
| 12 | Uplift North Hills Prep | 6‑8 | 501 | 84% | 87% | Charter school, 92% minority |
| 13 | Young Women’s STEAM Academy | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies | STEAM focus, Gold Ribbon |
| 14 | Solar Prep for Girls | PK‑8 | 722 | 63% | 79% | All‑girls preparatory |
| 15 | Harry Stone Montessori | PK‑8 | 524 | 53% | 76% | PK‑8 Montessori magnet |
Success Tips for Choosing a Middle School
Start by understanding the specialized programs offered by Dallas middle schools; many top-performing schools are magnet schools with specific focuses, including the Vanguard gifted and talented program, Montessori education, career exploration, and leadership development for young men and women.
Research test score data through ranking reports from U.S. News & World Report and Dallas ISD’s Hub publication to compare schools based on math and reading proficiency.
Consider the student-teacher ratio, as smaller class sizes often provide more individualized attention and support for students.
Review the school’s location and commute, and attend open houses or school tours to get a feel for the campus culture.
Finally, verify current school data and rankings on the Texas Education Agency website, as school performance information is subject to change.
Closing
Dallas offers a strong and academically-focused collection of middle schools, anchored by the top-ranked William B. Travis Academy and the highly regarded Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy and School for Talented and Gifted in Pleasant Grove. Dallas ISD’s magnet and gifted and talented programs consistently dominate state and regional rankings, providing exceptional opportunities for academically advanced students.
With specialized offerings including Montessori, career exploration, STEAM, and leadership academies, families have a wide range of choices to match their child’s interests and academic needs. Note that all information, including rankings and test scores, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through official district and state resources.