A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 2nd 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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Hall Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Toni Brown, Principal
415-927-6978
200 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939
Larkspur-Corte Madera School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Hall Middle School coordinates layered academic intervention, trauma-informed, whole-child support, 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 for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ The annual eighth-grade awards ceremony includes a community-service award for the student completing the most service hours.
Adeline E. Kent Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Grant Althouse, Principal
(415) 458-5970
800 College Ave., Kentfield, CA 94904
Kentfield School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Adeline E. Kent Middle School combines targeted academic intervention, advisory and mentoring, 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.
✓ Khan Academy provides targeted mathematics support and progress monitoring.
✓ Integrated English learner supports strengthen language development and access to grade-level instruction.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Special Recognitions California Secretary of Education Tony Thurmond declared Kent Middle School a 2024 California Distinguished School, one of only three secondary schools in Marin County to earn this honorable distinction.
Del Mar Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Chad Stuart, Principal
415-435-1468
105 Avenida Miraflores, Tiburon, CA 94920
Reed Union School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Del Mar 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.
✓ Targeted academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
★ Eighth graders are honored for achievement in academic and elective departments, with select students receiving Vision of the Reed Union Graduate awards.
White Hill Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Mary-Clare Mullin, Principal
(415) 454-8390
101 Glen Drive, Fairfax, CA 94930
Ross Valley School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
White Hill Middle School combines career and technical education pathways, 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 mathematics support uses tutoring, small groups, and progress monitoring to build proficiency.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Transition activities help incoming students build confidence, relationships, and a strong connection to school.
★ Staff believe that fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration not only prepares students for academic success but also empowers them to become responsible and active members of their communities.