Lincoln Middle

Tucked away on the island city of Alameda — a charming, walkable community just across the estuary from Oakland — Lincoln Middle is one of the stronger middle schools in the entire state, with particularly standout science scores that place it near the very top. Families who prioritize rigorous academics without leaving the close-knit feel of a smaller city will find a lot to love here, especially given Alameda's safe streets, tree-lined neighborhoods, and easy access to the Bay Area's broader opportunities. It's a natural draw for parents who want their kids challenged across the board during those critical middle school years, all within a community that still feels like a town rather than a metropolis.