The middle school years are a pivotal time for students as they transition from elementary to high school. Finding the right middle school can make all the difference in keeping your pre-teen engaged, challenged, and thriving academically and socially. If you live in Frisco, you’re in luck – Frisco is home to some of the highest-ranked middle schools in Texas.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top-performing middle schools in Frisco ISD based on academics, extracurriculars, resources, and more. Whether you have an incoming 6th grader or are looking ahead to future school years, use these insights to find the best middle school fit in Frisco.
An Overview of Middle Schools in Frisco ISD
As the fastest-growing suburb in the nation, Frisco has seen its school district explode in enrollment over the past decade. Today, Frisco ISD serves over 65,000 students across 10 middle schools. The district is known for its high performance, innovative programs, talented teachers, and brand new facilities.
Frisco ISD middle schools serve grades 6-8 with a strong emphasis on preparing students for the academic rigor of high school. They aim to provide a nurturing environment where pre-teens can thrive socially and emotionally as well.
Standardized test performance, school resources, athletics, and extracurriculars vary widely across FISD middle schools. Selective programs at some campuses also differentiate the academic opportunities available. This guide will break down the stand-out qualities of Frisco’s top middle schools.
The Best Middle Schools in Frisco
While all Frisco middle schools earn strong marks, a few campuses rise to the top for their stellar academics, enrichment programs, and state-of-the-art amenities. Here are the top-rated middle schools in Frisco ISD:
- Maus Middle School
- Clark Middle School
- Stafford Middle School
- Nelson Middle School
- Christie Elementary School
Let’s explore what makes each of these middle schools stand out.
Maus Middle School
Maus Middle School is the district’s largest middle school, serving over 1,400 students in grades 6-8. As a STEAM magnet school, Maus offers specialized programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Key highlights include:
- STEAM magnet programs, including engineering, robotics, computer science, and more
- Average class sizes under 30 students
- Above average STAAR scores with 94% passing math, 93% passing reading
- 46 different elective choices from Mariachi to debate
- Competitive athletics including football, volleyball, basketball
- 30+ student clubs and organizations
With a strong emphasis on both academics and social development, Maus empowers students to find their interests and reach their potential.
Clark Middle School
For high-achieving scholars, Clark Middle School’s gifted and talented program is one of the district’s most selective. Clark serves over 1,300 students in 6-8th grade.
Highlights of Clark Middle School include:
- Selective gifted & talented program with advanced academics
- Average class sizes of 25 students
- 99% passing rate on all sections of the STAAR test
- Partnership with UT Dallas’ Chess Program
- 40+ sports, fine arts, and academic offerings
- Extensive world language programs including Mandarin Chinese
- Brand new 130,000 square foot facility opening 2024
Whether your child is artistically gifted or a future engineer, Clark will provide opportunities for excellence.
Stafford Middle School
With a brand new campus opened in 2021, Stafford Middle School offers a modern learning environment with the latest amenities. It’s also the only middle school in Frisco ISD to offer a specialized STEM program.
Key features include:
- Selective STEM magnet program focusing on project-based learning
- 1:1 student technology initiative providing laptops for all
- Spacious new campus with dedicated STEM makerspace labs
- Above average test scores with 95% passing STAAR math
- 40+ electives from robotics to theater
- Competitive Athletics including volleyball, football, track, and tennis
- Student Habitat with a coffee bar and collaborative workspaces
Whether your child wants to build robots or perform Shakespeare, Stafford has the resources to help them succeed.
Nelson Middle School
For families in North Frisco, Nelson Middle School is a top choice for its academic performance, enriched curriculum, and specialty programs. The school serves 1,300 students in grades 6-8.
Highlights of Nelson Middle include:
- High STAAR scores with 99% passing reading and 96% passing math
- Gifted & Talented Academy for accelerated learning
- Dual language program in English and Spanish
- STEAM courses focused on real-world problem solving
- Brand new 120,000 square foot facility opening in 2023
- Rich fine arts opportunities in orchestra, dance, theater
- Over 45 academic electives offerings
- Competitive Robotics Team
Nelson delivers a well-rounded experience focused on the needs of pre-teens transitioning to their teen years.
Christie Elementary School
As a K-8 campus, Christie Elementary serves grades 6-8 in a smaller middle school environment. With under 400 middle school students, Christie provides individualized attention.
Top features include:
- Small community middle school feel with under 400 students
- Above average STAAR scores beating district averages
- Gifted & Talented program offering accelerated academics
- Low student-teacher ratios around 20:1
- Fine arts opportunities like orchestra, choir, theater
- Extensive world languages including French, German, Mandarin
- Competitive athletic programs including basketball, soccer, track
For families seeking a smaller, tight-knit middle school, Christie Elementary fits the bill.
How to Choose the Best Middle School for Your Child
With so many excellent middle schools, how do you narrow down the best fit for your child? Here are tips on picking the right Frisco middle school:
- Consider your child’s academic strengths – gifted programs, STEM, dual language?
- Identify any special needs like learning disabilities or health conditions
- Meet with counselors about magnet, gifted & talented, or language programs
- Tour top choices and get your child’s input on schools
- Research extracurriculars important to your child
- Compare STAAR scores and academic performance
- Look at class sizes and student-teacher ratios
- Check out school resources and amenities
- Evaluate the campus environment and culture
Matching your child with the right middle school can set them up for academic and personal growth. Use this guide to find a Frisco ISD middle school where your child will be supported, engaged, and inspired.
