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

California's 4th 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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Willis Jepson Middle School

↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Melissa Mainini, Principal

(707) 453-6280

580 Elder Street, Vacaville, CA 95688

Vacaville Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Willis Jepson Middle School coordinates layered academic intervention, accessible counseling and wellness services, 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.

✓ Targeted literacy instruction uses small groups and progress monitoring to strengthen reading skills.

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

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

★ Jepson’s Mariachi band is one of the few middle-school Mariachi programs in the surrounding area.

Kairos Public Schools Vacaville Academy

↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL

Jared Austin, Principal

707-453-7234

129 Elm St., Vacaville, CA 95688

Vacaville Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Kairos Public Schools Vacaville Academy combines civic learning, inclusive instruction, and student leadership to prepare students for success beyond middle school. Community Leadership, Scholar Ambassadors, Study Skills, and a schoolwide intervention system connect academics with service, mentoring, and real-world skills. Families and community partners contribute to a culture where students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to become responsible citizens.

✓ Community Leadership connects civic learning with service and real-world leadership.

✓ Scholar Ambassadors mediate conflicts, welcome students, and lead campus events.

✓ Study Skills provides small-group academic support within an inclusive model.

★ Every middle school student completes 30 hours of community service each year.

Vaca Peña Middle School

★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Jennifer Purdy, Principal

(707) 453-6270

200 Keith Way, Vacaville, CA, USA

Vacaville Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Vaca Peña Middle School 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.

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

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

★ Many of the school’s teachers have attended professional development in Universally Designed Lessons and attended AVID Summer Institutes and Pathways in order to bring the best first instructional strategies to the school’s students.

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