CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH
High-Performing Model Middle Schools
Schools to Watch - Our Story
Benefits of Schools to Watch
Enhances School Culture
Fosters a positive, cohesive environment where students and staff thrive.
Provides a Clear Improvement Pathway
Offers a structured framework for continuous school improvement.
Encourages Data-Driven Decision-Making
Helps schools use evidence-based strategies to refine practices and policies.
Improves Student Outcomes
Supports academic growth, social-emotional development, and overall student success.
Connects Schools to a National Network
Encourages collaboration and idea-sharing with high-performing middle schools across 21 states.
Offers Professional Development Opportunities
Provides resources, training, and national conferences to support educators.
Strengthens Teacher Retention
Creates a supportive, collaborative workplace that encourages teachers to stay and grow.
Recognizes Excellence
Showcases schools that demonstrate strong leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to ongoing progress.
A Nationwide Network
Schools to Watch is a national network of hundreds of schools in 21 states. California is the largest state participant. Schools that apply to become Schools to Watch in the fall submit an application that is reviewed by experienced middle-grades experts in their state. If the application is approved, the school hosts a validation visit. If the school meets the qualifications, the school becomes a California School to Watch in March and a National School to Watch in June.
Apply for Schools to Watch
Does your middle school, K-8 school, traditional school, or public charter school serve middle-grades students exceptionally well?
Applying for initial Schools to Watch designation is free and easy. Be recognized and share your site’s best practices with other educators!
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Applications are due October 1st!
Request the Application Instructions
California Middle-Grades Alliance
About CMGA
California Middle Grades Alliance (CMGA) seeks a united voice for the education of California’s 1.5 million middle grades students. Initially formed in 2001 to launch the California Department of Education’s first edition of Taking Center Stage, a comprehensive report of recommendations for middle grades educators, CMGA was an integral part of the roll-out of the next iteration, Taking Center Stage—Act II (TCSII). CMGA has supported many other policies and programs that include California Schools to Watch™—Taking Center Stage and CMGA Leadership Recognition.
CMGA Mission
The mission of CMGA is to support high quality middle grades education designed to close the achievement gap and ensure success for all students through increasing public awareness, disseminating research and best practices, and influencing middle grades policy and informed decision-making at the state and local level.
CMGA Goals
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Increase public awareness and engagement regarding middle level education
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Influence middle grades policy and inform decision-making
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Leverage resources across CMGA organizations
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Encourage California-based research on middle grades to uncover “what works” for young adolescents
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Disseminate research and best practices
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Develop awareness and dynamic leadership in the middle grades
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Foster professional learning communities
Our Partnerships
California Schools to Watch is operated by:
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Lead Agencies
California League of Middle Schools
California Department of Education
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Program Partners
California Middle Grades Alliance, a partnership of CDE, CLMS, and:
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)
California School Boards Association (CSBA)
California Parent Teachers Association (CAPTA)
California Teachers Association (CTA)
National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform