Best Bismarck Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,217 students in Bismarck, ND.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Bismarck, ND are Manning Elementary School, Naughton Elementary School and Horizon Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Bismarck, ND public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the North Dakota public middle school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 45% statewide average). Middle schools in Bismarck have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Dakota public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public middle school average of 30% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Middle Schools in Bismarck, ND (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Manning Elementary School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
10500 Hwy 1804 S
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 223-0082
Gr: K-8 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Naughton Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
9101 123rd Ave Ne
Bismarck, ND 58503
(701) 673-3119
Gr: PK-8 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Horizon Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
500 Ash Coulee Dr
Bismarck, ND 58503
(701) 323-4550
Gr: 6-8 | 1,124 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Wachter Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1107 S 7th St
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 323-4650
Gr: 6-8 | 1,012 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #55.
Simle Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1218 Simle Dr
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 323-4600
Gr: 6-8 | 1,053 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: n/an/a
128 Soo Line Dr
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 323-4101
Gr: 6-8

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Bismarck, ND?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Bismarck, ND include Manning Elementary School, Naughton Elementary School and Horizon Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Bismarck?
6 public middle schools are located in Bismarck.
What is the racial composition of students in Bismarck?
Bismarck public middle schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the North Dakota public middle schools average of 30% (majority American Indian).
Which public middle schools in Bismarck are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links