Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle

Tucked into the suburban stretch of Northridge in the western San Fernando Valley, Holmes Middle School holds its own as one of the stronger public middle schools in the sprawling LA Unified system — no small feat given the competition. Families in the area tend to appreciate the solid academics across English and math, making it a reliable option for kids coming out of the neighborhood's well-regarded elementary schools. Northridge itself has a quieter, more spread-out feel compared to the rest of LA, with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community that makes the transition to middle school a little less daunting.