Robert O. Townsend Junior High

Tucked into the family-friendly hills of Chino Hills, Townsend Junior High is one of the stronger middle schools in the Inland Empire, consistently posting top-tier scores in math and science that reflect a student body that takes academics seriously. Chino Hills itself has a polished, suburban feel — well-kept neighborhoods, plenty of parks, and a community that tends to prioritize schools when choosing where to plant roots — making Townsend a natural fit for families who want a smooth, high-achieving transition between elementary and high school. If you're moving to the area and have a 7th or 8th grader, this is the kind of school that tends to make that decision a little easier.