D. Russell Parks Junior High

Tucked into the heart of Fullerton, D. Russell Parks Junior High is one of those middle schools that families in the area genuinely feel lucky to land in — ranking in the 90th percentile statewide with particularly strong English scores. Fullerton itself has a nice balance of suburban comfort and cultural energy, with tree-lined neighborhoods, a lively downtown, and a strong sense of community pride in its schools. Families who care about setting their kids up academically during those critical 7th and 8th grade years will find Parks to be a solid, well-rounded choice in an already competitive slice of Orange County.