A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 22nd 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
5
3
2
Bernice Harrell Chipman Junior High
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Tomás Prieto, Principal
(661) 631-5210
2905 Eissler St, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Bakersfield City School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Bernice Harrell Chipman Junior High coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ Chipman is proud to be one of only two junior high schools in the district designated as a GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) site.
Hope Elementary School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Melanie Matta, Principal
559-784-1064
613 W Teapot Dome Ave, Porterville, CA 93257, USA
Hope Elementary School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Hope Elementary School coordinates layered academic intervention, accessible counseling and wellness services, and family and community partnerships 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 mathematics support uses tutoring, small groups, and progress monitoring to build proficiency.
✓ Inclusive special education services combine grade-level access with targeted academic and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Every classroom reflects the belief that every child deserves equitable access to rigorous learning and the support needed to succeed.
Pleasant View West School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Kimberly Parrish, Principal
(559) 784-6769
140 04 Road 184, Porterville, CA 93257
Pleasant View Elementary School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Pleasant View West School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, and family and community partnerships 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 schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.
★ Pleasant View was the first California site to partner with Save the Children on an early-success program for families with children ages 0–5.
Rio Bravo-Greeley Elementary School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Christina Bussman, Principal
661-589-2505
6601 Enos Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93314, USA
Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Rio Bravo-Greeley Elementary School coordinates rigorous, responsive instruction, coordinated academic and social-emotional support, and service learning and civic 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.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Service learning connects academic skills with civic responsibility and meaningful community impact.
★ The schoolwide R.I.D.E. system centers respect, integrity, determination, and empathy.
Wonderful College Prep Delano Secondary School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Brenton DeFlitch, Principal
661-721-2887
2070 Veneto Street, Delano, CA 93215, USA
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Wonderful College Prep Delano Secondary School coordinates college-and-career preparation, accessible counseling and wellness services, 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.
✓ Targeted literacy instruction uses small groups and progress monitoring to strengthen reading skills.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Students can explore Mariachi, Filipino Heritage Club, robotics, farm-to-table learning, mock trial, yearbook, and sports.
John L. Compton Junior High School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Erin Estep, Principal
661 631 5230
3211 Pico Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93306
Bakersfield City School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
John L. Compton Junior High School combines career and technical education pathways, schoolwide PBIS, 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. Students gain multiple pathways to build confidence, explore interests, strengthen relationships, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ Literacy and Language Elective provides targeted literacy instruction and progress monitoring.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ The Innovative Attendance and Re-Engagement Program earned a 2024 California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award.
O.J. Actis Junior High School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Patrick Spears, Principal
(661) 833-1250
2400 Westholme Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
O.J. Actis Junior High School combines collaborative professional learning communities, a coordinated MTSS framework, and family engagement to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. 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.
✓ Attendance monitoring, mentoring, and family outreach provide early, individualized support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Staff learned about makerspaces at the school’s first Schools to Watch conference and decided to create two mobile makerspaces that can be taken to classrooms throughout the school.
Stonecreek Jr. High School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Katrina Wilson, Principal
661-834-4521
8000 Akers Road, Bakersfield, CA 93313-3984
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Stonecreek Jr. High School combines data-informed instruction, social-emotional learning, and arts and performance opportunities 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.
✓ AVID Center builds organization, academic confidence, and college-and-career readiness.
✓ Attendance monitoring, mentoring, and family outreach provide early, individualized support.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ Typically, a student is removed from campus only if they have committed an act that created a serious, dangerous situation.