A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 27th 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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Fulton & Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Marcello Palacios, Principal
661-206-0120
831 E. Avenue K-2, Lancaster, CA 93535
Lancaster School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Fulton & Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering combines collaborative professional learning communities, 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. 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.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Their focus is on farm to table, and they are already growing food with classroom hydroponic gardens.
High Desert School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Michelle Van Ornum, Principal
661-269-0310
3620 Antelope Woods Road, Acton, CA 93510
Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
High Desert School combines project-based learning, schoolwide PBIS, and athletics and extracurricular 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.
✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ There were only two sections of each subject area for 7th and 8th grade until 2023-2024.
Castaic Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Stephanie Sosa, Principal
661-257-4550
28900 Hillcrest Parkway, Castaic, CA 91384
Castaic Union Elementary School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Castaic Middle School combines data-informed instruction, 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.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ The first area is shifting the culture climate by building relationships between students and staff to reduce the behavior issues before they start.