State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that 52 high-performing California middle schools have achieved the prestigious designation of California Schools to Watch for 2024. Among them, Los Angeles County stands out with 17 institutions recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Newly Designated 2024 California Schools to Watch in Los Angeles County:  

• Bud Carson Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary School District

• Cedarlane Academy, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District,  

• Cesar Chavez Middle School, Lynwood Unified School District  

• Edgewood IB School, West Covina Unified School District  

• Fairgrove Academy, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District  

• Mesa Robles Middle School, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District  

• Rivera Middle Schools, El Rancho Unified School District  

• Valinda School of Academics, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District  

• Walnut Grove Intermediate School, West Covina Unified School District  

Redesignated 2024 California Schools to Watch in Los Angeles County:

• Castaic Middle School, Castaic Union Elementary School District  

• Fedde International Studies Academy, ABC Unified School District  

• Griffiths Middle School, Downey Unified School District  

• Hollydale Middle School, Paramount Unified School District  

• John Burroughs Middle School, Los Angeles Unified School District  

• Lakeside Middle School, Little Lake City School District  

• Luther Burbank Middle School, Los Angeles Unified School District  

• Mary R. Stauffer Middle School, Downey Unified School District  

These schools have demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic excellence, student engagement and community involvement. The 2024 Schools to Watch were formally recognized at the California League of Educators Celebration and Conference in Monterey on March 8–9, 2024.

Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) extends heartfelt congratulations to all the recognized institutions for their remarkable achievements and contributions to education. 

The California Department of Education encourages 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.