Northley Middle School Re-Designated as a “School to Watch”

Northley Middle School has been re-designated for the fourth time as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School: “School to Watch” (PA STW). Originally recognized in 2013-14, Northley continues to demonstrate excellence in academics, student development, and equitable practices. This year, it is one of 12 schools in Pennsylvania to be honored - four for the first time and eight redesignated.

The PA STW program, developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE) and the Horace Mann Service Corporation, identifies middle grades schools that are high-performing, developmentally responsive, socially equitable, and well-organized. Northley joins a select group of schools that meet these strict criteria, highlighting strong leadership, collaborative teaching, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

"We congratulate these schools for being places that do great things for all their students," said PA State STW Director Bruce Vosburgh. "These schools demonstrate that high-performing middle grades schools prioritize academic growth and achievement. 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."

Schools recognized in the PA STW program are selected based on Academic Excellence, Developmental Responsiveness, Social Equity, and Organizational Structures and Processes. The selection process includes a written application, classroom observations, interviews with administrators, teachers, students, and parents, and a review of achievement data and student work.

For more information about the Schools to Watch program, visit PAMLE Schools to Watch or National Forum.