A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 45th 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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Louis Lake Intermediate School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Allie Bak, Principal
(714) 663-6506
10801 Orangewood Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840, USA
Garden Grove Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Louis Lake Intermediate School coordinates rigorous, responsive instruction, positive-behavior and restorative practices, 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 for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ Targeted literacy instruction uses small groups and progress monitoring to strengthen reading skills.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ A first-time Polynesian Dance Assembly expanded the school’s celebration of its diverse community.
Robert C. Fisler School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Caroline Llewellyn, Principal
(714) 447-2890
1350 Starbuck St., Fullerton, CA 92833
Fullerton School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Robert C. Fisler 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.
★ Navigator Catch Up Café provides targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic support; more than 75% of participants improved their overall grades.
Vista View Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Manuel Quezada, Principal
(714) 842-0626
16250 Hickory Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Ocean View School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Vista View Middle School coordinates layered academic intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, 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.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ 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 was the first school in Ocean View School District to offer Culinary Arts and eSports electives.
Buena Park Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Jay Beckelheimer, Principal
(714) 488-5581
6931 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Buena Park School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Buena Park Middle School combines STEM learning, 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 for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ PBIS team connects academic learning with real-world problem-solving and career exploration.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ The FFA program received more than $110,000 in awards and grants over three years.
D. Russell Parks Junior High School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Robin Mundschau, Principal
714-447-7785
1710 Rosecrans Ave., Fullerton, CA 92833
Fullerton School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
D. Russell Parks Junior High School combines targeted academic intervention, 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.
✓ Targeted literacy instruction uses small groups and progress monitoring to strengthen reading skills.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ For the students enrolled in the school’s Performance Academy they will only be on campus for periods 1 - 5.
Dr. Russell Johnson Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Daniel Owens, Principal
(714) 894-7244
13603 Edwards St, Westminster, CA 92683
Westminster School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Russell Johnson Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, 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.
✓ 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.
✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.
★ Dedicated ELD time lets teachers provide targeted language support without differentiating for English-only students.
Gordon H. Beatty Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Joaquin Valdez, Principal
(714) 523-1160
8201 Country Club Dr., Buena Park, CA 90621
Buena Park School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Gordon H. Beatty 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.
✓ Targeted literacy instruction uses small groups and progress monitoring to strengthen reading skills.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.
★ Therefore,staff strive to create unique academic experiences that not only meet the school’s students where they are academically, but allow the school’s students to engage in self-efficacy and achieve high academic standards.
Sarah McGarvin Intermediate School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Bill Gates, Principal
(714) 663-6218
9802 Bishop Place, Westminster, CA 92683
Garden Grove Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Sarah McGarvin Intermediate School combines STEM learning, social-emotional learning, and student leadership 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.
✓ Academic Intervention Program provides targeted academic support for students needing additional help.
✓ Attendance monitoring, mentoring, and family outreach provide early, individualized support.
✓ California Colleges Website builds organization, academic confidence, and college-and-career readiness.
★ Academic enrichment is paired with social-emotional support for students who need help building motivation and personal skills.
Tuffree Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Sarah Barton, Principal
714-986-7480
2151 N. Kraemer Boulevard , Placentia, CA 92870
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Tuffree 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.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
✓ Esports Club expands collaboration, creativity, and digital learning.
★ The after-school tutoring program also gives students a consistent connection with a caring teacher.
Willis Warner Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Kenneth Lopour, Principal
(714) 894-7281
14171 Newland St., Westminster, CA 92683
Westminster School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Willis Warner 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.
✓ Homework Club provides targeted academic support for students needing additional help.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Peer Assistance Leadership gives students meaningful leadership, voice, and responsibility.
★ The school's Esports teams were the first in the district and have now spread to the other two middle schools.
Bell Intermediate School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Christopher Holland, Principal
714-663-6466
12345 Springdale Street, Garden Grove, CA 92845
Garden Grove Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Bell Intermediate 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.
✓ 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.
✓ California Junior Scholastic Federation gives students meaningful leadership, voice, and responsibility.
★ Those enrolled in Companion A are GE/RSP students who are either English Only or have redesignated as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) and who are also reading at or near grade level.
Fedde International Studies Academy
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Denise Macias, Principal
562-924-2300
21409 South Elaine Ave., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
ABC Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Fedde International Studies Academy combines career and technical education pathways, 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.
✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Associated Student Body gives students meaningful leadership, voice, and responsibility.
★ Fedde is unique in the sense that staff are one of two school sites that house a health clinic.
Carmenita Middle School
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Andrea Chang-Seo, Principal
562-229-7775
13435 East 166th St., Cerritos, CA 90703
ABC Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Carmenita Middle School combines STEM learning, 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.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ The school also offers 22 periods of electives that support and connect with the core content areas and their curriculum, ranging from art and computers to broadcasting and robotics.
Haskell STEM Academy
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Valerie Gutierrez, Principal
562-229-7815
11525 Del Amo Boulevard, Cerritos, CA 90703
ABC Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Haskell STEM Academy 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.
✓ Advancement Via Individual Determination builds organization, academic confidence, and college-and-career readiness.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Audio Engineering ● Digital Art/Photoshop ● Drone aeronautics and flight ● Robotics ● Solar technology/energy ● Broadcasting ● Circuitry ● Stop Motion Animation ● Engineering & Architecture ● 3D Printing.
Ross Academy of Creative and Media Arts
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Amanda Silvas, Principal
(562) 229-7785
17707 Elaine Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701
ABC Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Ross Academy of Creative and Media Arts combines AVID and college-readiness systems, 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. 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.
✓ 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.
★ The school Academy's 2022-2023 master schedule is based on a 6 period day for all students, with an optional zero period Physical Education or Broadcasting class to allow students an additional.
Tetzlaff Accelerated Learning Academy
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Josie Summers, Principal
562.229.7795
12351 Del Amo Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703
ABC Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Tetzlaff Accelerated Learning Academy combines SpringBoard, Pre-AP, AVID WICOR, and common assessments to build rigorous, inquiry-based learning. Performance Task Tuesdays strengthen extended writing, while homeroom mentoring and targeted counseling support student growth. Project Lead the Way, Model United Nations, broadcasting, music, arts, technology, and leadership opportunities give students varied ways to develop skills, interests, confidence, and future readiness.
✓ SpringBoard and Pre-AP strategies deepen inquiry and critical thinking.
✓ Performance Task Tuesdays strengthen extended writing across the curriculum.
✓ Two-year homeroom assignments create lasting student-teacher mentoring relationships.
★ Students manage the television broadcast from interviews and production through the final broadcast.