How to Apply for
NJ Schools to Watch
Applications for Schools to Watch are due on September 15, 2025.
To schedule an information session, please contact schoolstowatch@njamle.org
New Jersey Schools to Watch® is part of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform that provides a protocol to identify high-performing middle-level schools willing to serve as models and provide mentorship to other schools serving middle-grade students.
New Jersey Schools to Watch® are not perfect, but they are on a trajectory toward excellence and have a passion for sharing what works in their school. Schools should only apply if school administrators will embrace the mentorship role and willingly advise staff from other schools who will call, visit or email.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 DESIGNATION and REDESIGNATION ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2O25.
Phase I - Assess your readiness
Use the School to Watch Self-Study to facilitate your school’s reflection prior to the application completion process. This self-study rubric contains the criteria of best practices required for being identified as a School to Watch. This rubric can promote staff reflection and support the continuous improvement process for any middle grades school. NJSTW Self-Rating Rubric
Visit a New Jersey School to Watch! They are open and ready to share their experience and support.
Principal completes the Deliberative Dozen and contacts a NJ Schools to Watch Director. Principal's Deliberative Dozen
Join NJAMLE - Schools submitting an application must be members of NJAMLE.
Phase 2 - The Application
OUR PROCESS HAS CHANGED! Please read through the entire process prior to beginning your application.
The National Forum has made recent adjustments to the overall process.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR New Jersey Schools to Watch DESIGNATION, READ THROUGH THE PROCEDURES AND COMPLETE THE 4-PARTS OF THE TOTAL APPLICATION PACKAGE. Click Here to Access the Application. When you open the link you will be directed to make a copy of the document. Follow the instructions for how to rename it. There are four parts to the application. All 4 Parts must be submitted as one document (see the Instructions in the Application).
Part I – Descriptive Information – Application Writing Team – School Demographics/Characteristics – Additional Information
Part II – Narrative
Part III – Recent Changes
Part IV – Assurances
Complete the Schools to Watch Online Rubric/Survey: DO NOT COMPLETE the online rubric unless you are certain you will be applying for the Schools to Watch designation. If you do not complete an application, you will be charged $300 by the University of Illinois/National Forum. If you do submit an application for Schools to Watch – there is NO COST. If you are curious about the content of the rubric, please review the Self-Study Rubric.. Click here to request the rubric (note- the Online Rubric must be requested by July 1, 2025).
Processes for New and Redesignated Schools are all contained in the Application Directions with the following exceptions:
For Re-designation applications - In addition to the items requested in the National Forum Application include a one-page narrative that tells how your school (Administration and staff) has supported the efforts to promote NJ Schools to Watch and the New Jersey Association for Middle Level Education
Phase 3: Submission Process
Submit completed documents to both the national and state program. ALL of the documents will be submitted to your state via email as instructed in the Application Directions.
If you have any questions related to the application process, please contact Rick Delmonaco or Aimee Toth at schoolstowatch@njamle.org.
Thank you and best wishes to all applicants!
Click here for Schools to Watch Overview, Timeline and FAQ's
Click here to review the Schools to Watch: Continuous Improvement Toolkit