TASSP in collaboration with
The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform

2026 Texas
Schools to Watch Award Winners

The Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform recognize that effective middle schools differ significantly from elementary and secondary schools in curriculum and instruction, preparation of teachers and administrators, and organization of time and space. In this era of educational reform and rising expectations, this program seeks to identify high-performing, high-impact middle schools to serve as comprehensive models from which other schools can learn and be inspired. This independent program is long-term, continuous, and is conducted by practicing middle grades professionals who understand the middle school concept. The criteria used to evaluate and select schools have been developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and are uniform throughout all states participating in the program. Schools selected will be highlighted in publications and programs at both the state and national levels. Applicant schools are encouraged to contact and/or visit current Texas Schools to Watch prior to applying for the program.

What is a Texas School to Watch?

A Texas School to Watch is a school that consistently has moved to meet fully the nationally endorsed criteria for high-performing middle schools; one that has made marked progress in meeting all of these criteria, including measurable gains in the academic achievement of all students over time, and is committed to continuous improvement. These schools will serve as models and mentors for other schools seeking to improve.

Texas Schools to Watch Program

Applications for 2026-27 are Open
Contact Dr. Joe Coleman with questions: 512-443-2100 ext 8503
Deadline: August 31, 2026, 5:00 PM CST

Schools to Watch - Texas:

2026-2027 Information and Application »
Please contact Joe Coleman when submitting the request for guidelines on how to proceed with the application.

When a school fills out the form, they will need to save a copy. This will allow them to save their own application as their own and make changes as needed prior to submitting it.

Submission of Applications:

Upload ALL supporting documents via: 2027 Schools to Watch Application Uploads. Be sure all files are complete and named correctly before beginning the upload process.
Email all documents above (in one PDF document) to Texas State Director Joe Coleman at [email protected], informing him you have uploaded all documents (and therefore submitted your application).

Schools to Watch Toolkit »

National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades: www.middlegradesforum.org

OVERVIEW, DEADLINE, QUESTIONS, AND ELIGIBILITY

Overview
The Schools to Watch® program, offered by the National Forum, seeks to identify and honor schools with middle-level grades (enrolling any combination of young adolescents aged 10-15) that are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, socially equitable, organized and structured for continuous improvement, and exemplars of the Schools to Watch criteria.

While many schools meet the minimum eligibility criteria, not all schools that apply will be selected for visitation and/or designation. However, all applicants are invited to network with STW schools, with the goal of one day being named a model school.

Schools that are designated as Schools to Watch participate fully in the Schools to Watch network. They attend the National Schools to Watch Conference in the summer, tour other STWs, and host visiting educators who want to see their programs in action (it is expected that Schools to Watch will serve as models and mentors). There is a tremendous energy around the program.

We believe that all young adolescent students deserve middle-grade schools and programs that are academically excellent, developmentally appropriate, socially equitable, and organized to sustain continuous improvement. Thank you for applying to the program.

2026 National Schools to Watch Conference
June 25-27, 2026 | Washington D.C.

Don't forget to check out the 2026 National Schools to Watch Conference, a one-of-a-kind event bringing together passionate middle-level educators from across the nation. This conference is rooted in the Schools to Watch (STW) model, showcasing specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development.

With inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on sessions, and peer-led learning opportunities, this event is designed to foster growth, connections, and inspiration. We invite you to be part of this unique journey of professional development and celebration!