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.
Jefferson Leadership Academy
Designated 2026
Long Beach Unified School District
Los Angeles County
Renee Shipman, Principal
750 Euclid Ave, Long Beach, CA 90804, USA
562-438-9904
School Characteristics
Grades Served: 6-8; Enrollment: 1,000
Replicable Practices
Distributive Leadership: Shared leadership across the administrative team and site leaders (staff, teachers, students).
Collaborative Department Goals and Meeting Structures: Cross-curricular teams develop goals and PDSA learning cycles aligned to school goals.
Inclusion Model for Students with Disabilities: all students are in GE ELA and Math courses with co-teaching partners (content and education specialist).
Restorative Justice Approach to Discipline: Leadership utilizes restorative justice practices to support student learning and behavior development.
Student-centered extracurricular programming: Student clubs, sports, and enrichment programs focus on social, emotional, academic, and physical development based on student interests.