Morris Middle School earns national ‘School to Watch’ designation
Recognition tied to student achievement & support
McAllen News, McAllen TX News, McAllen ISD schools, Morris Middle School, national award
Staff Report
McAllen, TX - Morris Middle School has been named a “School to Watch,” a national designation recognizing middle schools that demonstrate strong academic performance, equity and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Morris Middle School, which opened in 1984, is part of the McAllen Independent School District. The recognition is awarded through the Schools to Watch program, which evaluates campuses based on research-based criteria developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
Recognition tied to student achievement and support
State education leaders said the campus stood out for its focus on academic growth while addressing the needs of all students.
“This school has demonstrated that a high-performing middle school is a place that focuses on academic growth and achievement,” said Dr. Joe Coleman, state director for Schools to Watch in Texas and associate executive director for middle-level services with the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. “Morris Middle School is a place that recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of all students and ensures that every child has access to a challenging high-quality education.”
Coleman also credited campus leadership, staff, students and families for contributing to the school’s success.
Selection process includes site visits and data review
The Schools to Watch designation follows a multi-step application and review process. Schools must submit a written application detailing how they meet national criteria, followed by on-site evaluations from state teams.
During those visits, reviewers observe classrooms, interview administrators, teachers, students and parents, and examine achievement data, suspension rates, lesson quality and samples of student work.
Recognition requires ongoing progress
Schools are recognized for a three-year period and must demonstrate progress toward specific goals to maintain the designation. Unlike some recognition programs, Schools to Watch emphasizes continuous improvement, requiring campuses to address both strengths and areas for growth.
The Schools to Watch program was launched in 1999 and now includes more than 480 recognized schools across 20 states.
“These schools have proven that it is possible to overcome barriers in achieving excellence,” said Cathy Perry, executive director of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. “They make education so exciting that students and teachers don’t want to miss a day, while preserving a commitment to healthy development and equity for all students.”
About McAllen ISD
McAllen ISD earned the state’s highest accountability rating of “A” in 2025 and received a Postsecondary Readiness Distinction the same year. The district serves approximately 19,500 students across 31 campuses.
Source -- McAllen Independent School District.