Six middle schools in New Jersey have been acknowledged for their exceptional performance in academics and other criteria by the National Forum Advancing Excellence in the Middle Grades. This group, comprising educators, researchers, national associations, and education foundations, revealed the selected schools in collaboration with the New Jersey Association for Middle Level Education.
The recipients of this recognition in New Jersey this year include:
- Richard Butler Middle School in Butler
- Franklin Avenue Middle School in Franklin Lakes
- Carl H. Kumpf Middle School in Clark
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School in Wyckoff
- William Annin Middle School in Basking Ridge
- George Washington Middle School in Wayne
Among these, Richard Butler Middle School in Butler and Franklin Avenue Middle School in Franklin Lakes are first-time honorees, while the remaining four schools have received this distinction in the past.
Carl H. Kumpf Middle School in Clark was initially recognized in 2014, Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School in Wyckoff and William Annin Middle School in Basking Ridge in 2016, and George Washington Middle School in Wayne in 2020.
To qualify for the “Schools to Watch” designation, middle schools undergo a rigorous evaluation of their strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas. This process involves hosting site visits where experts assess classrooms, activities, and engage with parents, students, teachers, and school administrators.
Selected schools are granted a three-year period to demonstrate progress towards their objectives to maintain their “School to Watch” status. Additionally, they are expected to support and mentor other middle schools while allowing visits for knowledge sharing of their successful practices.
With the addition of these six schools, New Jersey now boasts a total of 14 middle schools on the prestigious “Schools to Watch” list. The previously recognized schools include:
- Belhaven Middle School, Linwood
- Black River Middle School, Chester
- Byram Intermediate School, Stanhope
- Edison Central Six Middle School, West Orange
- Eisenhower Middle School, Roxbury
- Mountain View Middle School, Mendham Borough
- Randolph Middle School, Randolph
- Teitelman Middle School, Cape May
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