A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 47th 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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Ethel Dwyer Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
David Okamoto, Principal
(714) 536-7507
1502 Palm Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Huntington Beach City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Ethel Dwyer Middle School combines targeted academic intervention, 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.
✓ Targeted mathematics support uses tutoring, small groups, and progress monitoring to build proficiency.
✓ Wellness Center provides coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Two district middle schools collaborate on shared priorities while adapting support to their individual student communities.
Helen Stacey Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Rick Nichols, Principal
714-928-1475
6311 Larchwood Dr., Huntington Beach, CA 92708
Westminster School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Helen Stacey Middle School combines project-based learning, 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.
✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.
✓ Social Emotional Learning reinforces clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ One of the school’s amazing teachers utilizes the Transitional Math Program to instruction and support the school’s student's unique needs in math.
Thurston Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Joe Vidal, Principal
(949) 497-7785
2100 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Laguna Beach Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Thurston Middle School combines career and technical education pathways, schoolwide PBIS, 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.
✓ Career Technical Education builds organization, academic confidence, and college-and-career readiness.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Teachers will leverage this tool not only to guide instruction but also to inform interventions and enrichments, creating a dynamic space where students can express their learning needs and growth journeys.