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We are a School to Watch

 

School to Watch

 

California & National School to Watch

High Desert School is proud to be a California and National School to Watch and earned its 4th redesignation in 2025. The Schools to Watch program recognizes middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and strong organizational structures. Schools earning this distinction are recognized for implementing innovative, research-based practices that support the success of every student. As a School to Watch, High Desert is committed to continuous improvement and serves as a model school for others across California and the nation.

High Desert School's Replicable Practices

  • AVID Advisory for All Students focused on organization, goal setting, social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, and character development.
  • Medal of Honor Character Development Program integrated schoolwide to promote citizenship, integrity, courage, commitment, sacrifice, and patriotism.
  • Student Connection and Engagement Tracking to ensure every student is connected to at least one meaningful activity, club, sport, or leadership opportunity.
  • Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and STEAM Pathways providing hands-on, real-world learning experiences beginning in 5th grade.
  • Expanded Elective Opportunities including leadership, yearbook, music, visual and performing arts, technology, and career exploration courses.
  • Inclusive Practices and MTSS Supports that provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions for all learners.
  • Schoolwide PBIS Framework that promotes positive behavior, recognition, restorative practices, and student leadership.
  • Collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on student achievement, intervention planning, and continuous improvement.
  • Student Mentoring Programs that connect older and younger students through leadership and character-building activities.
  • Family and Community Engagement Events including STEAM Night, Family Game Night, Open House, Career Day, Scholar Showcase, and other opportunities that strengthen school-home partnerships.
  • Comprehensive Counseling and Mental Health Supports including counseling lessons, social-emotional learning, and access to school-based mental health services.
  • Expanded Athletic Programs with both JV and Varsity opportunities that promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and school connectedness.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making utilizing i-Ready, common assessments, California Dashboard indicators, and student engagement data to guide instruction and interventions.
  • "The Middle Deck Matters Most" Philosophy recognizing that the middle school years are a critical time in a student's development. High Desert intentionally focuses on building strong academic foundations, character, leadership, confidence, and meaningful connections to ensure every student is prepared for success in high school and beyond.

The Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage program is offered by:

Lead Agencies
• California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) (see www.clms.net for program specifics)
• California Department of Education (CDE)
 

Program Partners
• California Middle Grades Alliance, a partnership of:

Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), California Department of Education (CDE), Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee (CISC) of California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCESA), California League of Middle Schools (CLMS), California Middle Grades Partnership Network (CMGPN), California School Boards Association (CSBA), California Parent Teachers Association (CAPTA), California Teachers Association (CTA), Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA)

• National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform
• Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage Model Schools

Media inquiries and questions about the new Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage may be directed to Mr. Scott Steele, Program Director, at STWCAL@gmail.com.