For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 4,106 students in San Mateo, CA. The top ranked public middle schools in San Mateo, CA are North Shoreview Montessori, Bowditch Middle School and Parkside Montessori. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
San Mateo, CA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the California public middle school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in San Mateo have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of California public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in San Mateo, CA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
North Shoreview Montessori
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1301 Cypress Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 312-7588
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 312-7588
Grades: K-8
| 293 students
Rank: #22.
Bowditch Middle School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1450 Tarpon St.
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 312-7680
San Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 312-7680
Grades: 6-8
| 893 students
Rank: #33.
Parkside Montessori
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1685 Eisenhower St.
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 312-7575
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 312-7575
Grades: K-8
| 419 students
Rank: #44.
Borel Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
425 Barneson Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 312-7670
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 312-7670
Grades: 6-8
| 934 students
Rank: #55.
Bayside Academy
(Math: 43% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2025 Kehoe Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7660
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7660
Grades: K-8
| 855 students
Rank: #66.
Gateway Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
35 Tower Rd.
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 598-2150
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 598-2150
Grades: 6-12
| 14 students
Rank: #77.
Abbott Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
600 36th Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7600
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7600
Grades: 6-8
| 698 students
San Mateo, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
2025 Kehoe Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7660
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7660
Grades: 6-8
| 662 students
San Mateo-foster City Community Day (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
300 28th Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7551
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7551
Grades: 6-8
| 2 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in San Mateo, CA?
The top ranked public middle schools in San Mateo, CA include North Shoreview Montessori, Bowditch Middle School and Parkside Montessori. San Mateo has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in California.
How many public middle schools are located in San Mateo?
7 public middle schools are located in San Mateo.
What is the racial composition of students in San Mateo?
San Mateo public middle schools minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public middle schools average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in San Mateo are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in San Mateo include: Abbott Middle School vs. Borel Middle School, Parkside Montessori vs. North Shoreview Montessori, North Shoreview Montessori vs. Parkside Montessori
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.