Best Tustin Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public middle schools serving 6,171 students in Tustin, CA. The top-ranked public middle schools in Tustin, CA are Legacy Magnet Academy, Pioneer Middle School and Tustin Connect. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Tustin, CA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Tustin have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 83% 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 Tustin, CA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Legacy Magnet Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
15500 Legacy Rd.
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 430-2088
Gr: 6-12 | 964 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #22.
Pioneer Middle School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2700 Pioneer Rd.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-7534
Gr: 6-8 | 971 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #33.
Tustin Connect
Alternative School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1151 San Juan St.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 430-2052
Gr: K-12 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #44.
Hewes Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
13232 Hewes Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-7348
Gr: 6-8 | 929 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Occschep/pchs
Alternative School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
14262 Franklin Ave. Ste. 100
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 245-6500
Gr: K-12 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #66.
Columbus Tustin Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
17952 Beneta Way
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-7352
Gr: 6-8 | 583 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #77.
C. E. Utt Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
13601 Browning Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-7573
Gr: 6-8 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #88.
Valadez Middle School Academy
(Math: 12% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
161 East La Jolla St.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 986-7440
Gr: 6-8 | 527 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #99.
Sycamore Magnet Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1402 Sycamore Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-7360
Gr: K-8 | 1,085 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 97%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Tustin, CA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Tustin, CA include Legacy Magnet Academy, Pioneer Middle School and Tustin Connect. Tustin has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public middle schools are located in Tustin?
9 public middle schools are located in Tustin.
What is the racial composition of students in Tustin?
Tustin public middle schools minority enrollment is 83% 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 Tustin are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.

Quick Links