The 2025 Schools to Watch Application is Due by Friday December 6, 2024

Download the 2025 Instructions and Application here & Toolkit here

The Schools to Watch® Program was designed by the National Forum. Criteria established by the National Forum are used as the basis for the Forum’s Schools to Watch Program, which focuses on school improvement efforts characterized by a continuous trajectory toward success. Each state's Schools to Watch are recognized annually in Washington, D.C.

Arizona joined the Schools to Watch Program® in 2024 as an initiative of the Arizona Association for Middle Level Education (AzAMLE) with the intent of advancing middle level education in Arizona and recognizing schools that strive to meet the needs of Arizona 10-15 year old students. Join AzAMLE for access to the Schools to Watch award program!

2025 STW Applications

The 2025 Arizona Schools to Watch® application is due by Friday December 6, 2024, 5:00PM. The instructions and application are available here.

Steps to becoming designated as a School to Watch® 

1. Download the Arizona STW instructions and application above.

2. Read the entire packet with your team and develop a timeline to meet the deadline.

3. The program follows the Schools to Watch Rubric which is to be completed as part of the application process. The STW Toolkit, which contains the rubric can be accessed for free here.

As an alternative, you may contact your Arizona State Director, Dr. Robert Caplinger, directly at info@azamle.org to begin an informal conversation about the process.

Will your school be one of the 2025 inaugural Arizona Schools to Watch®? 

Not quite ready to become a School to Watch? Use the rubric for a self-study on your school improvement journey!

​The Schools to Watch self-study rating rubric is available as tool to support growth in your school. Click here for an electronic copy!

Sharing and completing the “hard copy” rubric is a great way for the administration and faculty to self-reflect on the implementation of best practices in your middle school or middle-level program.

Use the rubric tool and the results for the development of your own continuous improvement plan. Evaluate the results, revise your improvement plan, and implement changes. When you feel you have developed a trajectory of continuous improvement, consider applying for Schools to Watch® recognition.

If you have any questions about the Schools to Watch program, please contact your State Director, Dr. Caplinger at info@azamle.org