top of page
CDE.png

CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH

STWLogo-2020small.png
California Schools to Watch is a statewide program implemented by the California League
of Middle Schools, California Department of Education, California Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum, and the California Schools to Watch model schools.
De Anza Middle School

Redesignated: 2018, 2021, 2024

Designated 2015

Ontario-Montclair School District

San Bernardino County

Adriana Gonzalez, Principal

1450 S. Sultana Ave., Ontario, CA 91761

909-986-8577

School Characteristics

Community: Urban Fringe. Enrollment: 580. Grade Levels: 7-8. Schedule: Six-period day with an optional zero period. Block scheduling in content areas.

School Demographics

Free/Reduced Lunch: 100%; English Learners: 33%.

Replicable Practices

  • Long-term projects are interdisciplinary and include a presentation component

  • Flexible block schedule days provide extended periods for activity-based lessons

  • Staff development includes learning walks, training in BIE project-based learning, teaching channel teams, and an on-site instructional coach

  • At-risk students: AVID, Think Together, embedded intervention, reading support class

  • Wrap-around services include counseling, medical services, and financial support

  • Every classroom focuses on collaborative grouping and structured discussion through productive partnering and cooperative learning

  • Students engage in self-analysis activities that culminate with student-led conferences

  • Extra-curricular programs include: band, marching band, drill team, dance classes, tutoring, college visits, “hang time” and after-school sports

  • Fluid interventions are offered within and outside the school day

  • Electives and interventions are supported by the zero-period

  • Parent involvement avenues include site councils, invitations to watch student presentations, student-led conferences, digital communications, parent support center

  • High expectations supported by an RtI discipline model and proactive interventions with counselors, administrators, and a student mentor

  • Professional and classified staff benefit from ongoing professional development

  • District supports vertical articulation focused on student needs

  • University of La Verne invites students to visit college campus yearly

  • Guaranteed college admission for all students who continue in Chaffey Union HSD

bottom of page