CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH
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.
Dorothy McElhinney Middle School
Designated 2025
Murrieta Valley Unified School District
Riverside County
Tom Patane
35125 Briggs Road, Murrieta, CA 92563
(951) 304-1885
School Characteristics
Enrollment: 1,460; Grade Levels: 6-8
Replicable Practices
Our many intervention programs provide targeted support and resources to help students overcome academic challenges and achieve their full potential.
Our school consistently applies multi-tiered systems of support by implementing clear expectations, reward systems, and tiered interventions to support all students.
We foster a culture of inclusion through a comprehensive approach, featuring Unified classes, co-teaching, peer mentoring, and diverse student-led clubs.
Our school's visual and performing arts program fosters creativity and self-expression through a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including ceramics, theater, dance, choir, band, color guard, and drumline.
Our school's strong Professional Learning Community (PLC) process promotes collaborative teacher growth, data-driven decision making, and a shared commitment to improving student outcomes."