A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 16th 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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Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Fallon Housman, Principal
(408) 361-3876
1598 Lucretia Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
Santa Clara County Office of Education
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory coordinates rigorous, responsive instruction, accessible counseling and wellness services, and college-and-career exploration to support academic growth and student well-being. 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.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ For the last 15 years Cornerstone has implemented a unique coaching program for all instructional staff.
Dartmouth Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Scott Boggs, Principal
(408) 264-1122
5575 Dartmouth Drive, San Jose, CA 95118
Union Elementary School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Dartmouth Middle School coordinates layered academic intervention, accessible counseling and wellness services, and electives, clubs, arts, and athletics 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.
✓ Targeted academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ A dedicated teacher on special assignment supports staff with English language development and other instructional needs.
Ellen Fletcher Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Melissa Howell, Principal
(650) 856-9810
655 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Ellen Fletcher Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, accessible counseling and wellness services, and meaningful opportunities for belonging and engagement 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.
✓ The Wellness Center provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ The Tiger News Network broadcast elective produces the school’s daily announcements.
Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Courtney Carlomagno, Principal
(650) 494-8120
750 N California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
Palo Alto Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, consistent advisory and student check-ins, and college-and-career exploration 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.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ The first instructional block has five additional minutes to listen to, or watch, the daily announcements provided by the Broadcast Elective class.
Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Christopher Grierson, Principal
(650) 856-5188
480 E Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA
Palo Alto Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, accessible counseling and wellness services, and college-and-career exploration 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.
✓ Wellness Team provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ The student-run KJLS broadcast elective competes nationally through the Student Television Network.
Union Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Todd Feinberg, Principal
(408) 371-0366
2130 Los Gatos Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95124
Union Elementary School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Union Middle School combines targeted academic intervention, social-emotional learning, and clubs and enrichment 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 academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
✓ Choir Club builds creativity, teamwork, confidence, and performance skills.
★ One of the school’s key beliefs is that the first step of any successful collaboration between general and special education is subject and grade level agreement on what will be taught and when.