A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 19th 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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Shoreline Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Colleen Martin, Principal
(831) 475-6565
855 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Live Oak Elementary Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Shoreline Middle School coordinates project-based and interdisciplinary learning, 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 for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ Students with IEPs and English Learners are hand-scheduled first to ensure access to the full range of general education courses, including requested electives.
International School of Monterey
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Jessica Allen, Principal
(831) 583-2165
1720 Yosemite Street, Seaside, CA 93955-3999
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
International School of Monterey combines STEM learning, 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.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ While the IB framework focuses on student-centered, inquiry-based learning, these are not the only ways to engage and initiate student learning.
Atascadero Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Jeff Spiller, Principal
(805) 462-4360
6501 Lewis Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
Atascadero Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Atascadero Middle School combines career and technical education pathways, 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.
✓ Electives, clubs, and enrichment help students explore interests and build belonging.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Drama Club builds creativity, teamwork, confidence, and performance skills.
★ Due to a decrease in enrollment in 2023, the schedule was adjusted to accommodate only nine teachers in the school’s 6th grade.