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A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools

California's 38th 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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Alvarado Intermediate School

↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Danielle Villa, Principal

(626) 964-2358 | Fax: (626) 810-5579

1901 South Desire Avenue, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

Rowland Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Alvarado Intermediate School coordinates data-informed instruction and 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.

✓ 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.

✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.

★ The Winter Rally brings the school together to celebrate first-semester Honor Roll students.

Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle School

↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Jenny Bae, Principal

(562) 944-3268

13900 Estero Road, La Mirada, CA 90638

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and student voice and leadership 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.

✓ 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.

★ In 2024, Hutchinson was recognized as a California Distinguished School, one of the state’s highest honors for public schools.

Corvallis Middle School STEAM Magnet

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Alejandra Rosales, Principal

(562) 210-4125

11032 Leffingwell Rd, Norwalk, CA 90650, USA

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Corvallis Middle School STEAM Magnet coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, accessible counseling and wellness services, 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.

✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.

✓ Attendance monitoring, mentoring, and family outreach provide early, individualized support.

✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.

★ The school was the first middle school in its district to offer Ethnic Studies, now in its third year.

Los Alisos STEM Magnet Middle School

↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Phillip Sanchez, Principal

(562) 210-3495

14800 Jersey Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Los Alisos STEM Magnet Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, accessible counseling and wellness services, 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.

✓ 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.

★ Los Alisos is one of only two California schools participating in UCLA’s Cultivating Excellence teacher-preparation grant.

Nettie L. Waite Middle School

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Adriana Nakano, Principal

562-210-4370

14320 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650, USA

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Nettie L. Waite Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, 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.

✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.

✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.

✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.

★ Students in a zero-period leadership class study and practice 14 traits, including integrity, perseverance, and responsibility.

Rancho-Starbuck Intermediate School

↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Whitney Takacs, Principal

562-902-4261

16430 Woodbrier Drive, Whittier, CA 90604

Lowell Joint School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Rancho-Starbuck Intermediate School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and electives, clubs, arts, and athletics 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.

✓ 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.

✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.

★ Students can join award-winning Drumline, esports, competitive robotics, Science Olympiad, Math Field Day, gardening, and multiple sports.

The STEAM Academy @ Burke

↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Keri Kimes, Principal

(562) 801-7590

8101 Orange Ave, Pico Rivera, CA 90660

El Rancho Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

The STEAM Academy @ Burke coordinates personalized, mastery-oriented learning, 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.

✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.

✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.

✓ AVID and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.

★ Students can choose from Running, Gardening, Korean, Spanish, Book, Robotics, Newspaper, and Mariachi clubs.

Benton Middle School, Visual and Performing Arts Magnet

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Robin Ridgeway, Principal

(562) 210-2500

15709 Olive Branch Drive, La Mirada, CA 90638

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Benton Middle School, Visual and Performing Arts Magnet combines collaborative professional learning communities, social-emotional learning, and arts and performance 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. 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.

✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.

★ Utilizing student requests and achievement data, new and higher leveled courses have been added to the master schedule, some of which are the only such classes offered in the entire district.

Katherine Edwards Middle School STEAM & Dual Immersion Academy

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Tiffany Tagle, Principal

(562) 789-3118

6812 S. Norwalk Blvd., Whittier, CA 90606

Whittier City School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Katherine Edwards Middle School STEAM & Dual Immersion Academy combines collaborative professional learning communities, schoolwide PBIS, 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.

✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.

✓ Grade Elective gives students meaningful leadership, voice, and responsibility.

★ Schoolwide PLC meetings held early each semester use student data to shape instructional priorities.

Lake Center Middle School

↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Jack Sokoloff, Principal

562-868-4977

10503 S. Pioneer Boulevard, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

Little Lake City School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Lake Center Middle School combines data-informed instruction, 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.

✓ Attendance monitoring, mentoring, and family outreach provide early, individualized support.

✓ Electives, clubs, and enrichment help students explore interests and build belonging.

★ All special education teachers meet every first Tuesday of the month to discuss students and their progress, and placements for supporting their unique special needs.

Newton Middle School

↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Ann Hanson, Principal

626-933-2401

15616 Newton Street, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Newton 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.

✓ 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.

★ Aviation- Drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems) • Medical Core • STEAM 2 • Complete Honors Program • Leadership.

North Park Academy of the Arts

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Yvette Ventura-Rincon, Principal

562-801-7570

4450 Durfee Ave, Pico Rivera, CA 90660

El Rancho Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

North Park Academy of the Arts 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.

✓ Advancement Via Individual Determination builds organization, academic confidence, and college-and-career readiness.

✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.

✓ Targeted academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.

★ During the 2023-2024 school year, NPAA became the only school in ERUSD to offer an AVID Excel class, a branch of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

Orange Grove Middle School

↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Elizabeth Kane, Principal

626-933-7001

14505 Orange Grove Ave., Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Orange Grove Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, 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.

✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.

✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.

✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.

★ The multi grammy award winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea have been teaching Orange Grove after school program students Mariachi.

Walter F. Dexter Middle School

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Mariana Sansone, Principal

(562) 789-3090

11532 Floral dr, Whittier, CA 90601

Whittier City School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Walter F. Dexter Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, social-emotional learning, 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. Students gain multiple pathways to build confidence, explore interests, strengthen relationships, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.

✓ Inclusive special education services combine grade-level access with targeted academic and behavioral support.

✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.

✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.

★ A Fork Farms grant supports hydroponics, while a Whittier College grant funded Sphero robots and esports equipment.

Cedarlane Academy

★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Kim Lee, Principal

(626) 933-8001

16333 Cedarlane Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA, USA

Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Cedarlane Academy 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.

✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.

✓ Homework Club provides targeted mathematics support and progress monitoring.

★ Staff’ve introduced exciting new educational pathways, such as Project Lead the Way’s “Medical Detectives” and engaging robotics and coding electives under CSTEM.

Lakeside Middle School

↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Rosa Alcalá, Principal

562-868-9422

11000 Kenney St., Norwalk, CA 90650

Little Lake City School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Lakeside Middle School combines project-based learning, schoolwide PBIS, 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.

✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.

✓ Check Out reinforces clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.

✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.

★ The school's GATE coordinator engages students in after school FIRST LEGO robotics course and local competitions; and also provides this class for general education students during first period as a math.

Mesa Robles School

★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Sherri Franson, Principal

(626) 933-6000

16060 Mesa Robles Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA, USA

Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Mesa Robles School combines targeted academic support, 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.

✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.

✓ Social-Emotional Lessons provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.

✓ Where Everyone Belongs builds creativity, teamwork, confidence, and performance skills.

★ The school's high level of academic achievement and sense of community is only possible with the collaboration of all stakeholders.

Rivera Middle School

★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Lorin Yannarella, Principal

(562) 801-7580

7200 Citronell Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA, USA

El Rancho Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Rivera Middle School combines STEM learning, 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.

✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.

✓ Study Success Team provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.

✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.

★ Now, Spanish is only offered in 8th grade for students to be able to apply for the State Biliteracy Pathway award.

Chaparral Middle School

↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Pamela Cruz , Principal

909-861-6627

1405 South Spruce Tree Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91752

Walnut Valley Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Chaparral Middle School combines design-based learning, interdisciplinary instruction, technology, and the arts to engage students in rigorous and creative work. One-to-one devices and coding extend learning across subjects, while daily Advocacy lessons build character and responsibility. Clubs, athletics, counseling, mentoring, service opportunities, and strong parent partnerships support the whole child and create many ways for students to belong and lead.

✓ Interdisciplinary design-based learning connects rigorous content across grade-level cores.

✓ One-to-one technology and coding are embedded across daily instruction.

✓ Daily Advocacy lessons build character, grit, and responsible decision-making.

★ Ninety percent of students participate in the school’s award-winning arts programs.

South Pointe Middle School

↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Matthew Brummett, Principal

(909) 595-8171

20671 Larkstone Drive, Walnut, CA 91789

Walnut Valley Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

South Pointe Middle School combines STEAM learning, 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.

✓ 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.

★ Students can choose from nearly 20 student-led clubs, including Guitar Club and Rubik’s Club.

Suzanne Middle School

↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Matt Spinogatti, Principal

(909) 594-1657

525 Suzanne Road, Walnut, CA 91789

Walnut Valley Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Suzanne Middle School combines targeted academic intervention, English learner supports, 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.

✓ Targeted academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.

✓ Integrated English learner supports strengthen language development and access to grade-level instruction.

✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.

★ Students can explore Medical Detectives and technical design and modeling through Project Lead the Way courses.

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