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

California's 41st 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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Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Nicole Aguirre, Principal

760-238-9710

43495 Palm Royale Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA

Desert Sands Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and 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. 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.

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

★ Seventh- and eighth-grade students can choose from career-exploration labs, art, media arts, band, AVID, yearbook, science exploration, and other electives.

Corona Fundamental Intermediate School

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Kristen Harris, Principal

(951) 736-3321

1230 S Main St, Corona, CA 92882, USA

Corona-Norco Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Corona Fundamental 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.

★ Every student and staff member belongs to one of eight houses, strengthening belonging, leadership, and school spirit.

Idyllwild School TK-8

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Gayle Carpenter, Principal

951-659-0750

26700 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA

Hemet Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Idyllwild School TK-8 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.

★ All middle-grades students participate in outdoor-education trips as part of the school’s small TK–8 program.

Letha Raney Intermediate School

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Ana Luna, Principal

951-736-3221

1010 Citron St, Corona, CA 92882, USA

Corona-Norco Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Letha Raney has built a coordinated system of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support for a highly diverse student community. Shared MTSS commitments give staff common expectations, while targeted intervention, English learner services, inclusive special education supports, sports, and clubs help students receive timely assistance and build connection and belonging. Together, these opportunities strengthen access, confidence, relationships, and a lasting sense of belonging.

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

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

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

★ The school serves 549 students from families speaking 16 native languages.

Norco Intermediate School

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Scott Brenneman, Principal

(951) 736-3206

2711 Temescal Ave, Norco, CA 92860, USA

Corona-Norco Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Norco Intermediate School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, 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.

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

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

★ The first-ever ICA Rally introduced Integrity, Community, and Accountability through a full day of rotating lessons and activities.

Temecula Valley Charter School

★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Charity Plaxton-Hennings, Principal

951-294-6775

35755 Abelia St, Winchester, CA 92596, USA

Independent Charter School

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Temecula Valley Charter School coordinates college-and-career preparation, accessible counseling and wellness services, 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.

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

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

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

★ Students create historical displays and presentations that integrate research, writing, visual art, and performance.

Bell Mountain Middle School

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Patrice Harris, Principal

(951) 301-8496

28525 La Piedra Rd, Menifee, CA 92584

Menifee Union School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Bell Mountain Middle School combines collaborative PLCs, a tiered Bobcat Way support system, and extensive enrichment opportunities to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Teachers use common assessments and intervention data to adjust instruction, while mentoring, WEB leadership, ELOP activities, athletics, clubs, and social-emotional supports give students multiple ways to connect, succeed, and contribute to the school community.

✓ PLCs use common assessments and student data to guide targeted instruction.

✓ Silent Mentoring strengthens attendance, trusted-adult relationships, and student connection.

✓ ELOP blends academics, SEL, PBIS, athletics, clubs, and enrichment.

★ Hundreds of students created cards with messages of support for Lahaina Middle School after the 2023 Maui fires.

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Tom Patane, Principal

(951) 304-1885

35125 Briggs Road, Murrieta, CA 92563

Murrieta Valley Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Dorothy McElhinney Middle 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.

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

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

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

★ The school has earned Gold Ribbon arts recognition, Unified Champion status, and California Purple Star designation.

El Cerrito Middle School

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Karen DeBerry, Principal

(951)736-3216

7610 El Cerrito Rd, Corona, CA 92881

Corona-Norco Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

El Cerrito Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, social-emotional learning, and student voice 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.

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

★ A cross-curricular writing approach improved students’ writing proficiency and overall test performance.

River Heights Intermediate School

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Eva Isett, Principal

(951) 738-2155

7227 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880

Corona-Norco Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

River Heights Intermediate School combines project-based learning, a coordinated MTSS framework, 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 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.

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

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

★ Restorative and progressive discipline practices helped reduce suspensions by half.

Terra Cotta Middle School

★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Erin Hill, Principal

(951) 253-7380

29291 Lake St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

Lake Elsinore Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Terra Cotta Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, 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.

✓ 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.

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

★ Not only do students record their daily tasks across their class periods, they also use their planners for SMART goal setting, one of McRel’s evidence based practices.

Mesa View Middle School

★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Cathy Pearson, Principal

(909) 790-8008

800 Mustang Way, Calimesa, CA, USA

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Mesa View Middle School combines targeted tutoring, 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.

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

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

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

★ Students in inclusive classes recorded the highest test-score growth of any subgroup.

Palm Desert Charter Middle School

★ 2023 NEWLY DESIGNATED

Joshua Austad, Principal

(760) 862-4320

74200 Rutledge Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Desert Sands Unified School District

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Palm Desert Charter Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, 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.

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

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

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

★ Starting in October, the program will expand to include Sports Broadcasting, eSports, Volleyball, Soccer, and Master Gardener enrichment options.

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