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Schools to Watch

Since 1999 the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform has identified high-performing middle grades schools. Virginia joined in 2003 — recognizing academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures.

New for 2026

Deadline for new or re-designation applications is October 15 each year. Start your application early and use the school year to study your school as staff development.

Start your application

Apply for Schools to Watch

Principals and staff should spend the prior school year studying their school, completing the application as ongoing staff development. Schools applying for or holding STW credentials must be active VMSA members. Selected schools are featured in state/national publications, host visits, join PD, and set the standard for others. A team/representative must attend both the National STW Conference and VMSA Conference to accept and present.

Virginia STW Application (2025–2026)

Schools to Watch Directors

Contact either director directly about Schools to Watch.

Mychael Willon

Email Mychael Willon

Dr. Gary Skeen

Email Dr. Gary Skeen
Legacy of excellence

Schools to Watch in Virginia

46 schools shown
SchoolDesignation yearsRegionCounty / Division
Andrew Lewis Middle School—6Salem City Public Schools
Bailey Bridge Middle School20201Chesterfield County Public Schools
Belmont Ridge Middle School2012, 2015, 20184Loudoun County Public Schools
Blue Ridge Middle School2011, 2014, 2017, 20204Loudoun County Public Schools
Brambleton Middle School——Loudoun County Public Schools
Bull Run Middle School2011, 2014, 20184Prince William County Public Schools
E.H. Marstellar Middle School2008, 2012, 2017, 20224Prince William County Public Schools
Eagle Ridge Middle School2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 20234Loudoun County Public Schools
Elizabeth Davis Middle School2023, 20261Chesterfield County Public Schools
Elkton Middle School2019, 20235Rockingham County Public Schools
Farmwell Station Middle School2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 20234Loudoun County Public Schools
Gainesville Middle School2014, 20174Prince William County Public Schools
Glenvar Middle School2019, 20246Roanoke County Public Schools
Harmony Middle School2017, 2020, 20244Loudoun County Public Schools
Harper Park Middle School2013, 2016, 2019, 20234Loudoun County Public Schools
Herbert J. Saunders Middle School2007, 2010, 2015, 2019, 20224Prince William County Public Schools
Hickory Middle School2018, 20222Chesapeake City Public Schools
Hidden Valley Middle School2012, 2015, 2018, 20236Roanoke County Public Schools
J. Lupton Simpson Middle School2019, 20234Loudoun County Public Schools
J. Michael Lunsford Middle School2018, 20224Loudoun County Public Schools
Lake Ridge High School20194Prince William County Public Schools
Mary G. Porter Traditional School2013, 2016, 20204Prince William County Public Schools
Mercer Middle School2015, 2018, 20224Loudoun County Public Schools
Midlothian Middle School2019, 2023, 20261Chesterfield County Public Schools
Montevideo Middle School2019, 20235Rockingham County Public Schools
Northside Middle School2017, 20226Roanoke County Public Schools
Philip Michael Pennington Traditional School2014, 20174Prince William County Public Schools
Powhatan Middle School2026——
Providence Middle School—1Chesterfield County Public Schools
Rachel Carson Middle School2007, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2020, 20244Fairfax County Public Schools
River Bend Middle School2013, 2016, 2019, 2023, 20264Loudoun County Public Schools
Robious Middle School2020, 20241Chesterfield County Public Schools
Seneca Ridge Middle School20184Loudoun County Public Schools
Short Pump Middle School2011, 2015, 20181Henrico County Public Schools
Smart's Mill Middle School2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 20254Loudoun County Public Schools
St. Clare Walker Middle School2013, 2016, 2019, 2023, 20263Middlesex County Public Schools
Sterling Middle School2016, 2019, 20234Loudoun County Public Schools
Stone Hill Middle School2014, 2017, 2020, 20254Loudoun County Public Schools
Swift Creek Middle School2020, 20241Chesterfield County Public Schools
Tomahawk Creek Middle School2019, 2023, 20261Chesterfield County Public Schools
Trailside Middle School20224Loudoun County Public Schools
West Point Middle School20203West Point Public Schools
Western Branch Middle School20222Chesapeake City Public Schools
Willard Middle School2026—Loudoun County Public Schools
William Byrd Middle School20196Roanoke County Public Schools
Woodbridge Middle School2012, 2015, 2018, 20224Prince William County Public Schools