A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 37th 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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Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA): Dr. Michelle King School for STEM
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Elizabeth Ackerman Hicks, Principal
(323) 900-4533
2328 St James Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
Los Angeles Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA): Dr. Michelle King School for STEM coordinates layered academic intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and college-and-career exploration to support academic growth and student well-being. These connected systems help staff identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students to build confidence, explore interests, strengthen relationships, 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.
★ Many of the over 50 clubs developed each year are initiated by middle school students who have their first experience with leadership in the smaller group setting.
Menlo Avenue SPAN School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Keisha Moton, Principal
213-999-7991
4156 Menlo Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
Los Angeles Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Menlo Avenue SPAN School 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. Students gain multiple pathways to build confidence, explore interests, strengthen relationships, 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.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
★ Students needing additional support can enroll in Math Lab or Reading Development intervention courses.
Culver City Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Kenya Williams, Principal
310-842-4200
4601 Elenda Street, Culver City, CA 90230
Culver City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Culver City 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ AVID and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Redesignation Applications Only Please provide specific information on any changes in the district or school in the past year.