A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 43rd 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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Colin P. Kelly Elementary School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Kevin Curry, Principal
(310) 898-6410
2320 E Alondra Blvd, Compton, CA 90221, USA
Compton Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Colin P. Kelly Elementary 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.
★ Enrichment clubs include chess, coding, drones, FIRST LEGO League Robotics, esports, art, music, and GATE.
Hawthorne Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Nancy Ruvalcaba, Principal
310-676-0167
4366 W 129th St, Hawthorne, CA 90250
Hawthorne School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Hawthorne Middle School coordinates college-and-career preparation, 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.
✓ 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.
✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.
★ A Community Schools grant funded Hawthorne’s Family Resource Center and expanded family and student support.
Prairie Vista Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Sandra Mackellar, Principal
(310) 679-1003
13600 Prairie Ave., Hawthorne, CA 90250
Hawthorne School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Prairie Vista Middle 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 school launched its first co-teaching classroom, allowing students receiving RSP services to learn alongside peers in a heterogeneous setting.
Wiseburn Middle School (Formerly Richard H. Dana Middle School)
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Lisa Wilberg, Principal
(310) 725-4701
5504 W. 135th Street, Hawthorne, CA 90250
Wiseburn Elementary School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Wiseburn Middle School (Formerly Richard H. Dana Middle School) coordinates rigorous, responsive instruction, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, and family and community partnerships 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.
✓ 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.
★ The school was one of only eight California district awardees selected for a 2025–26 Middle School Foundation Academies grant to build CTE pathways.
Laurel Street Elementary School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Rachel Collins, Principal
(310) 898-6440
1321 W Laurel Street, Compton, CA 90220
Compton Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Laurel Street Elementary School combines data-informed instruction, 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.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.
★ The school earned California PBIS Gold recognition for the 2023–24 school year.
Bud Carson Middle School
★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED
John Paterson, Principal
(310) 676-1908
13838 Yukon Avenue, Hawthorne, CA, USA
Hawthorne School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Bud Carson Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, social-emotional learning, and community partnerships 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.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
★ The school's STEM Academy which features the PLTW curriculum is not only the school’s academy focus, but a major part of The school identity.