A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 44th 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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Alondra Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Andrea Aguilar, Principal
(562) 602-8004
16200 Downey Ave, Paramount, CA 90723, USA
Paramount Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Alondra 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 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 schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
★ Students can take Project Lead the Way electives in robotics, design and modeling, medical detectives, green architecture, computer science, and app creation.
Hosler Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
John Terry, Principal
(310) 603-1447
11300 Spruce Street, Lynwood, CA 90262
Lynwood Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Hosler Middle School coordinates layered academic 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 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.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ The first 15 days of school are intentionally designed to create a positive and memorable start for every student.
Leona Jackson Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Kelly Anderson, Principal
562-602-8020
7720 Jackson St., Paramount, CA 90723
Paramount Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Leona Jackson Middle School coordinates rigorous, responsive instruction, 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.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ In support of the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP), Jackson was recognized as the “Top Fundraising School” in the Paramount Unified School District, raising well over $175,000 in scholarships for outgoing seniors over the past 10 years.
Paramount Park Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Peter Loaiza, Principal
562-602-8052
14608 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723
Paramount Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Paramount Park Middle School coordinates college-and-career preparation, 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.
✓ Targeted mathematics support uses tutoring, small groups, and progress monitoring to build proficiency.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ Students in the Youth Cinema Project create original films and screen them at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
Frank J. Zamboni Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Nicholas Garcia, Principal
562-602-8048
15733 Orange Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723
Paramount Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Frank J. Zamboni Middle School combines common assessments and data-informed instruction, social-emotional learning, and family engagement 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.
✓ Inclusive special education services combine grade-level access with targeted academic and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Family Art Nights offered through Turnaround Arts combine intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
Cesar Chavez Middle School
★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Susan Riehle, Principal
(310) 886-7300
3898 Abbott Rd, Lynwood, CA, USA
Lynwood Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Cesar Chavez Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, social-emotional learning, and family engagement 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.
✓ TORO Cinema Club builds creativity, teamwork, confidence, and performance skills.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ After-school clubs include Dance, Yearbook, SRLA (Students Run LA), YBASU (Young Black Achiever Student Union), Creative Club and a Community Gardening Club.
Hollydale Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Hilda Mapp, Principal
(562) 602-8016
5511 Century Boulevard, South Gate, CA 90280
Paramount Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Hollydale Middle School combines STEM learning, social-emotional learning, and family engagement 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 mathematics support uses tutoring, small groups, and progress monitoring to build proficiency.
✓ Advisory and mentoring provide regular check-ins, goal setting, and relationship-building.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ The school was one of the only middle schools to pilot the entire program last year, known as i-Ready.