Twentynine Palms Junior High has been redesignated as a School to Watch by the California League of Schools.
The designation as a California Schools to Watch signifies that TPJHS has demonstrated outstanding success in providing a challenging and supportive learning environment for its students. To earn this designation, schools must complete an extensive application and host a site visit by middle grades experts. TPJHS originally received this designation in 2020 and has now been redesignated for 2024.
TPJHS was selected for this honor based on several criteria, including academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. In the designation the League of Schools specifically highlighted the site’s unique STEAM initiatives which integrates STEAM principals into all classes and their robotics program.
The league also highlighted the school’s recent growth noting increased academic performance. Principal Derek Swem linked the academic growth to their new homeroom system which allows students a period to work on iReady, a program that helps bridge instructional gaps for students based on their unique needs. Swem said, “This designation reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares our students for success in the 21st century.”
