Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and Middle School Principals:

Invitation to Apply for the 2026 California Schools to Watch Program

I am pleased to announce that the application for the 2026 California Schools to Watch (STW) program is now open. This program recognizes model middle-grades schools that are academically excellent; developmentally responsive; socially equitable; and led through strong, collaborative leadership.

California’s STW program is coordinated by the California League of Middle Schools and the California Middle Grades Alliance in association with the National Forum. To earn this designation, schools must submit a detailed application and host a site visit by middle-grades experts. Schools are re-evaluated every three years to retain their status.

Minimum eligibility requirements include:

• Public or charter schools that serve any combination of grades five through nine.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity and whole-child development, including support for students’ physical, mental, and social–emotional well-being.
• No civil rights violations or adult testing irregularities at the school site.

Selection is based on how well schools align with STW criteria. Designated STW schools serve as statewide models and offer mentorship and best practices to other schools that strive to improve outcomes for all young adolescents.

To view more than 240 model school profiles and access the 2026 application, visit the California League of Middle Schools’ California STW web page at https://www.joinclms.org/stw.

Applications are due by October 1, 2025.

If you have questions, please contact Scott Steele, Director of California STW, at ssteele@leagueofschools.org or 800-326-1880, ext. 105.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction