A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 49th 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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Marco Forster Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Catherine Thompson, Principal
949-234-5907
25601 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
Capistrano Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Marco Forster Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ For 25 years, Marco Forster has fielded the district’s only Students Run LA team; last year, 40 students completed the Los Angeles Marathon.
Bernice Ayer Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Nick Stever, Principal
949-366-9607
1271 Sarmentoso, San Clemente, CA 92673
Capistrano Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Bernice Ayer Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, a coordinated MTSS framework, 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Were then and as staff gel into an even more high functioning PLC, it can only be predicted that the school’s best years lay ahead.
Calavera Hills Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Judi Stapleton, Principal
760-331-6400
4104 Tamarack Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010
Carlsbad Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Calavera Hills 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.
✓ Integrated English learner supports strengthen language development and access to grade-level instruction.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ Student clubs raise funds to organize enrichment activities and events both on and off campus.