A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 30th 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
1
1
0
John Muir Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Greg Miller, Principal
818-729-3800
1111 N Kenneth Rd, Burbank, CA 91504, USA
Burbank Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
John Muir Middle School coordinates layered academic intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, 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.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ For 12 years, John Muir has maintained the district’s only sister-school partnership, with a school in Rebun, Japan.
John Burroughs Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Steve Martinez, Principal
323-549-5010
600 S. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Los Angeles Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
John Burroughs Middle School combines technology-rich instruction, design thinking, and coordinated student support to build academic confidence and resilience. A campus Makerspace extends creative problem-solving across subjects, while the Bear Model, restorative practices, grade-level counseling, and progressive discipline address whole-child needs. Accelerated mathematics, PSAT participation, and weekly teacher collaboration help students prepare for high school, college, and future careers.
✓ Makerspace projects apply design thinking across every subject area.
✓ The Bear Model supports achievement, evidence-based practice, and student resilience.
✓ Common Planning Tuesdays support data analysis and coordinated instructional planning.
★ Grade-level counselors and administrators remain with the same students throughout all three middle school years.