On Jan. 10, 2025, Scott Steele, Director of the California Schools to Watch program, announced that Sussman Middle School has been named a 2025 California and National Schools to Watch. This prestigious designation recognizes our school’s outstanding implementation of programs aligned with the four key domains of the National Schools to Watch initiative: Academic Excellence, Social Equity, Developmental Responsiveness, and Organizational Structures. These domains are essential to preparing students for academic success, social engagement, and emotional readiness for high school and beyond.

Sussman Middle School logo

This achievement places Sussman Middle School alongside Griffiths, Stauffer, and Doty middle schools, making Downey Unified one of the few districts in California where all middle schools have received this recognition.

“The designation of all four of our middle schools as California and National Schools to Watch is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our educators, staff, and community to create equitable and engaging learning environments for all students,” shared Board of Education President, Linda Saldaña. “This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and our focus on preparing every student for success in high school, college, and their future careers.”

In March 2025, representatives from Sussman Middle School will join Doty Middle School, along with our district leaders, at the California League of Middle Schools Annual Conference to celebrate their collective achievements as model schools. Doty Middle School will be celebrated for their redesignation into this prestigious program. The celebration will continue in June 2025 when Sussman travels to the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C. There, they will share best practices and celebrate their National Schools to Watch designation with other exemplary middle schools from across the country.

The California Schools to Watch program is proudly sponsored by the California Department of Education, California League of Middle Schools, and the California Middle Grades Alliance, in collaboration with the National Forum. Schools earning this distinction undergo a rigorous application process and host a site visit conducted by middle-grades education experts. Schools must reapply and meet updated criteria every three years to maintain their designation.

“Being designated as a California Schools to Watch is an incredible honor that reflects the hard work, innovation, and collaboration of our entire school community,” expressed Dr. Quintero, Sussman Middle School’s Principal. “We are proud to join the distinguished group of Schools to Watch and look forward to continuing to share our strategies for student success.”

For more information about the Schools to Watch program and its impact, please visit the California Schools to Watch web page.