Middle schools named Schools-to-Watch

Since the program began in 1999, only two other schools in Pennsylvania have achieved this level of continued excellence.

The Schools to Watch initiative, led nationally by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, identifies and honors middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, responsiveness to student needs, and a strong culture of continuous improvement. Boyce and Fort Couch are among 12 Pennsylvania schools recognized for the 2025–26 school year, joining a total of 39 active STW schools statewide and more than 700 nationwide.

“We congratulate these schools for being places that do great things for all their students. These schools demonstrate that high-performing middle grades schools prioritize academic growth and achievement,” Bruce Vosburgh, Pennsylvania’s Schools to Watch director, said. “They also understand the importance of meeting the needs of every student and ensuring access to a challenging, high-quality education. These schools have shown that it is possible to overcome barriers to excellence, and middle-level schools in any state can learn from their examples.”

Boyce Middle School is led by Dr. Dan O’Rourke, principal and supervisor of middle level education, and Dr. Christine Mussomeli, assistant principal. Fort Couch Middle School’s leadership team includes Erin Stehle, principal, and Gordon Mathews, assistant principal.

“This re-designation is a direct reflection of what happens every single day at Fort Couch,” Ms. Stehle said. “It's not about one day or one moment, it is about the steady, everyday excellence that our staff brings to every student and family. I am so fortunate to work alongside so many talented people who care deeply and put students first.”

Earning the re-designation for the sixth time demonstrates a sustained commitment to the highest standards of middle-level education.

“For the staff, it confirms their professional expertise, talent, and dedication to continuous improvement, while for students, it assures them they are receiving an excellent education in a supportive and engaging environment,” Dr. O’Rourke said. “We are incredibly proud of our students, whose positive attitude, hard work, and responsible choices are essential to creating the award-winning culture recognized by this designation.”

To maintain the STW designation, schools must demonstrate ongoing progress toward specific goals and take part in a rigorous re-evaluation every three years. The process includes a comprehensive written application, followed by in-person visits where evaluators observe classrooms; interview students, staff, and families; and review data related to instruction, student performance, and school climate.

“The Schools to Watch rubric and evaluation process provide us with a crucial framework for self-assessment and intentional planning, acting as an external mirror to our internal practices,” Dr. O’Rourke said. “This detailed feedback allows us to pinpoint specific areas needing enhancement, ensuring our efforts for continuous improvement are focused and effectively prioritized.”

Boyce and Fort Couch were first named Schools to Watch in 2008 and have earned re-designation in 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023 and now 2026. Only DuBois Area Middle School and Pine-Richland Middle School share this distinction as seven-time honorees in Pennsylvania.

In addition to being named STW, Boyce and Fort Couch are National Blue Ribbon Schools. Boyce was recognized in 1991-92 and 2022-23. Fort Couch has earned four Blue Ribbon Awards: 1986-87, 1992-93, 2001-02 and 2012-13.

Representatives from Boyce and Fort Couch will be celebrated alongside fellow honorees at the PAMLE State Conference in February 2026 in King of Prussia, Pa., and again during the National STW Conference in June 2026 in Washington, D.C.

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2025-26 Pennsylvania Schools to Watch

Re-designated for the 6th time (originally recognized in 2007-08)

• Boyce Middle School – Upper St. Clair School District
• Fort Couch Middle School – Upper St. Clair School District

Re-designated for the 5th time (originally recognized in 2010-11)

• Ryan Gloyer Middle School – Seneca Valley School District

Re-designated for the 4th time  (originally recognized in 2013-14)

• Northley Middle School – Penn-Delco School District
• Schuylkill Valley Middle School – Schuylkill Valley School District

Re-designated for the 3rd time  (originally recognized in 2016-17)

• Springton Lake Middle School – Rose Tree Media School District

Re-designated for the 1st time  (originally recognized in 2022-23)

• Deer Lakes Middle School, Deer Lakes School District
• Wendover Middle School, Hempfield Area School District

New Schools

• Black Rock Middle School, Lower Merion School District
• Central Cambria Middle School, Central Cambria School District
• Jefferson Middle School, Mt. Lebanon School District
• Shaler Area Middle School, Shaler Area School District