A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 36th 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.
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2026 Highlights
Beverly Vista Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Richard Waters, Principal
200 South Elm Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212-4011
(310) 229-3665
Beverly Hills Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Beverly Vista Middle School 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 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.
✓ Educationally Related Intensive Counseling Services provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Associated Student Body gives students meaningful leadership, voice, and responsibility.
★ ASB and Where Everyone Belongs programs give students meaningful leadership and community-engagement opportunities.
Adams Middle School
★ 2023 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Brooke Mata, Principal
2600 Ripley Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 798-8636
Redondo Beach Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Adams Middle School combines dual-immersion pathways, a coordinated MTSS framework, 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.
★ Finally, for the school’s students who would like to focus on STEM, Adams offers students the opportunity to get involved with both E-Sports and the First Lego League Robotics team.
El Segundo Middle School
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Sarah Davlantis, Principal
332 Center Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 615-2690
El Segundo Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
El Segundo Middle School offers an International Baccalaureate program that balances core academics, languages, arts, physical education, character, and project-based design. One-to-one iPads and weekly coding support differentiated, technology-rich learning. Shared decision-making, teacher collaboration, advanced arts options, and a yearlong eighth-grade community project help students develop creativity, communication, self-management, research, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills across the curriculum.
✓ IB instruction balances academics, languages, arts, physical education, and design.
✓ Design Class applies project-based learning to real-world problems.
✓ Every eighth grader completes a yearlong mentored community project.
★ Students participate in a 34-minute coding lesson every Monday.
ICEF Vista Middle Academy
★ 2023 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Brenna Persky, Principal
4471 Inglewood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
(323) 298-6400
ICEF Public Schools
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
ICEF Vista Middle Academy combines project-based learning, social-emotional learning, 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 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.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Monthly achievement assemblies recognize students for core values, reading growth, mathematics growth, and attendance.