Golden State Today

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced that 52 high-performing California middle grades schools have been recognized as California Schools to Watch for 2024. To earn this designation, schools must complete an extensive application and host a site visit by middle grades experts. To retain the designation, each school is reevaluated every three years.

In his statement, Thurmond expressed his appreciation, saying, "Congratulations to these exceptional schools for making a great impact on students. I want to thank the staff, administrators, teachers, families at these schools for ensuring all students get the education they need to realize their potential."

This year, there are 16 new California Schools to Watch, with an additional 36 schools that have demonstrated sustained progress and have been redesignated as 2024 California Schools to Watch. Altogether, there are now 200 California Schools to Watch.

The 2024 schools will be honored at the California League of Educators Celebration and Conference in Monterey on March 8–9, 2024. The California Schools to Watch program is supported by the California Department of Education, the California League of Educators, and the California Middle Grades Alliance in association with The National Forum.

The California Department of Education is encouraging schools to apply for 2025 recognition. For application instructions and more information on the program, please visit the California League of Educators Schools to Watch web page.