Hardin-jefferson Junior High

Tucked into the small-town charm of Sour Lake in southeast Texas, Hardin-Jefferson Junior High punches well above its size with especially strong math and science scores that rank it among the better middle schools in the state. Families in this corner of Jefferson County tend to value tight-knit community ties alongside solid academics, and this school delivers on both fronts. It's a great fit for parents who want a smaller-school feel without sacrificing the kind of academic foundation that sets kids up well for high school and beyond.