A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 31st 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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Clifton Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Ashley Leone, Principal
626-471-2600
226 S. Ivy Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016
Monrovia School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Clifton Middle School coordinates layered academic intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, 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.
✓ Electives, clubs, and enrichment help students explore interests and build belonging.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ AVID and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.
★ The school’s Robotics Team was awarded a Gene Haas Foundation FIRST and SAE grant, providing vital support for the program and enabling students to compete at a high level.
Edgewood Academy
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Marco Leal, Principal
(626) 931-7800
14135 Fairgrove Ave, La Puente, CA 91746, USA
Bassett Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Edgewood Academy coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ A seventh-grade teacher was named a 2025 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year—the first educator from Bassett Unified to receive the honor.
Hollencrest Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Katrina Garcia, Principal
(626) 931-1760
2101 E. Merced Ave., West Covina, CA 91790
West Covina Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Hollencrest Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ The Wellness Center provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ The first two weeks of school are devoted to onboarding activities that help teachers learn each student’s strengths and needs.
Royal Oaks STEAM Academy
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Julia Castillo, Principal
626-599-5400
2449 Royal Oaks Dr, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
Duarte Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Royal Oaks STEAM Academy coordinates project-based and interdisciplinary learning, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, 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.
✓ Royal Oaks STEAM Academy connects academic learning with real-world problem-solving and career exploration.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ A student who discovered manga in an English class library went on to join the school’s Manga Club and find a community of peers.
Grandview College Preparatory Academy
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Theresa Lei, Principal
626-934-5802
795 N. Grandview Lane, VALINDA, CA 91744
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Grandview College Preparatory Academy combines career and technical education pathways, restorative practices, and community partnerships 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.
✓ Career Technical Education connects academic learning with real-world problem-solving and career exploration.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Those with a passion for engineering can explore their interests through the Lego Robotics after- school club and First Lego League competition team.
Las Palmas Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Roy Umana, Principal
626-974-7200
641 N. Lark Ellen Avenue, Covina, CA 91722
Covina Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Las Palmas Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, restorative practices, 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.
✓ AVID and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ New teachers and staff are not only trained in best educational practices but also immersed in the school’s unique culture and values.
Sierra Vista Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Grant Dineley, Principal
(626) 974-7300
777 East Puente St., Covina, CA 91723
Covina Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Sierra Vista Middle School combines targeted tutoring, restorative practices, 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.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ A partnership with the City of La Puente earned a Golden Bell Award for Project LEAD.
Sparks Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
David Nieto, Principal
(626) 933-5002
15100 Giodano Street, La Puente, CA 91744
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Sparks Middle School combines career and technical education pathways, restorative practices, and community partnerships 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 and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Targeted academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.
★ Redesignation Applications (only): Be sure to describe how your school has addressed the feedback given on your previous STW visit and new initiatives you have put in place since your last STW designation.
Traweek Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Juleen Faur, Principal
(626) 974-7000
1941 E. Rowland Ave., West Covina, CA 91791
Covina Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Traweek Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, restorative practices, 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.
✓ English Language Learners provides targeted mathematics support and progress monitoring.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ The esports curriculum builds teamwork, goal setting, and other skills that extend beyond gaming.
Edgewood Middle School
★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Kimberly Cabrera, Principal
(626) 939-4900
1625 W Durness St, West Covina, CA, USA
West Covina Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Edgewood Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, restorative practices, 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.
✓ 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.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
★ Staff recognize the importance of creating opportunities for teachers to come together, not only to address academic concerns but also to address developmental matters.
Fairgrove Academy
★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Octavio Perez, Principal
(626) 933-8500
15540 Fairgrove Avenue, La Puente, CA, USA
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Fairgrove Academy combines collaborative professional learning communities, social-emotional learning, and music programs 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
✓ AVID and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.
★ Staff offer not only media tech, but video production for students to collaborate on real-life tasks involving broadcast technology, sound, and film production to produce shows for the school and community.
Walnut Grove Intermediate School
★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Jose Mata, Principal
(626) 919-7018
614 East Vine Avenue, West Covina, CA, USA
West Covina Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Walnut Grove Intermediate School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, 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.
✓ AVID and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.
✓ Social Emotional Learning provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Staff knew the only way they would engage in school is if they felt connected to their teachers and peers and genuinely felt a sense of belonging at The school.
Torch Middle School
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Vanessa Muñoz, Principal
(626) 931-2700
751 North Vineland Avenue, City of Industry, CA 91746
Bassett Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Torch Middle 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 for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, 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.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
★ Staff want to ensure that students are not only prepared for the Smarter Balance Assessments (SBAC) but for college and/or career.