Butler Middle School has earned the No. 4 spot in Utah according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. The school is recognized as being among the best middle schools in the state.
In the 2026 rankings, six middle schools and 22 elementary schools within the Canyons School District were placed among the top 40 percent of schools in Utah. These schools earned the right to display celebratory badges on their websites. This recognition follows U.S. News previously identifying four traditional high schools in the Canyons District with Best in Utah status.
The U.S. News methodology for K-8 rankings is based on state test scores, specifically the percentage of students who are proficient or above proficient in reading and math. The scoring system weights test scores at face value for half of the total score, while the other half weights them according to the socioeconomic demographics of the school. The report evaluates six factors: College Readiness (30 percent), State Assessment Proficiency (20 percent), State Assessment Proficiency (20 percent), Underserved Student Performance (10 percent), College Curriculum Breadth (10 percent), and Graduation Rate (10 percent).
Canyons School District Superintendent Dr. McKay Robinson stated that seeing many schools recognized among the top-performing schools in Utah is a testament to the districtwide commitment to academic excellence and student success. Robinson noted that being honored across all grade levels demonstrates the strength built for students from kindergarten through graduation.
The rankings reflect that the top-ranked schools are high-achieving and have succeeded at educating all of their students.
