A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 1st Congressional District
Schools to Watch (STW) is active in 22 states nationwide, creating a vibrant community of middle schools committed to achieving and sustaining success. STW recognizes schools that demonstrate a trajectory toward excellence while fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and continuous improvement.
2026 Highlights
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Twin Rivers Charter School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Obie Leff, Principal
(530) 755-2872
2510 Live Oak Blvd., Yuba City, CA 95991
Sutter County
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Twin Rivers Charter School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and student voice and leadership to support academic growth and student well-being. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities. Students gain multiple pathways to build confidence, explore interests, strengthen relationships, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ A weekly 50-minute Advocacy class uses check-ins, restorative circles, wellness, and digital citizenship to strengthen belonging.
Mistletoe STEM Institute
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Cody Brawley, Principal
530-224-4160
1225 Mistletoe Lane, Redding, CA 96002
Enterprise Elementary School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Mistletoe STEM Institute combines data-informed instruction, a coordinated MTSS framework, and peer leadership to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ Targeted literacy instruction uses small groups and progress monitoring to strengthen reading skills.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Transition activities help incoming students build confidence, relationships, and a strong connection to school.
★ The school features an outdoor garden, a greenhouse, and two hydroponic machines, where students learn the entire process of growing food, from planting seeds to harvesting.
Live Oak Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Parm Virk, Principal
530-695-5435
2082 Pennington Road, Live Oak, CA 95953
Live Oak Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Live Oak Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, social-emotional learning, and student leadership to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ Targeted literacy instruction uses small groups and progress monitoring to strengthen reading skills.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
✓ Electives, clubs, and enrichment help students explore interests and build belonging.
★ The school promotes a positive MindSet framework in which students are actively engaged in recognizing and changing how they view not only their school and academic world but their social and personal world also.