A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 24th 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
2
2
0
Jonata Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Casey McKeen, Principal
805-686-2767
301 2nd St, Buellton, CA 93427, USA
Buellton Union School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Jonata Middle School 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.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Students also engage in service learning, such as volunteering at the Santa Ynez Children’s Museum, with recognition cords at graduation for those completing 20+ hours of service.
Judkins Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Ian Penton, Principal
805-474-3600
680 Wadsworth Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, USA
Lucia Mar Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Judkins Middle School coordinates layered academic 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 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.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ LMUSD and Judkins Middle School have established Professional Learning Communities as the backbone of ensuring that all students learn at high levels.
Goleta Valley Junior High School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Clanci Chiu-Merritt, Principal
(805) 967-3486
6100 Stow Canyon Road, Goleta, CA 93117
Santa Barbara Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Goleta Valley Junior High School combines collaborative professional learning communities, social-emotional learning, and student leadership 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ Inclusive special education services combine grade-level access with targeted academic and behavioral support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ The only time that the daily schedule is modified to a block schedule is during several weeks when students complete the standardized state testing in their Math and ELA classes.
Laguna Middle School
★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Nathan Meinert, Principal
(805) 596-4055
11050 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
San Luis Coastal Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Laguna Middle School combines project-based learning, 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.
✓ 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.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ All students now participate in a culminating celebration marking their promotion from middle school to high school.
Los Osos Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Heather Contreras, Principal
(805) 534-2835
1555 El Moro Avenue, Los Osos, CA 93402
San Luis Coastal Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Los Osos Middle School combines STEAM 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.
✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Electives, clubs, and enrichment help students explore interests and build belonging.
★ Moving into its fourth year, students in the Moderate/Severe program use Community Based Instruction Field trips, Friday Club at Cal Poly, and the student run Coffee Cart..