California's Best Middle Schools — Right Here in Westminster
Johnson, Stacey, and Warner middle schools have each earned top state recognition for academic excellence, innovation, and student success. When your child moves to 6th grade, they step into an award-winning environment built to help them thrive.
Middle School Honors
Award-Winning School District
Why they’re recognized
Middle school done right takes a particular kind of commitment.
California’s Schools to Watch program doesn’t just measure test scores — it evaluates how well schools serve young adolescents across four dimensions: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and strong organizational structure. All three WSD middle schools meet that standard.
What it means for your child
The middle school years matter more than most people realize.
6th through 8th grade is where students develop identity, academic habits, and confidence that follow them to high school and beyond. Choosing a recognized school in a district that takes middle grades seriously makes a lasting difference.
Why Choose Middle Schools at WSD
Meet The Schools
Three middle schools. Three distinct identities. One standard of excellence.
Westminster
Dr. Russell I. Johnson Middle School
2025 California School to Watch
Recognized for its student-centered approach to learning, Johnson fosters academic growth and social development through exceptional programs designed for every student.
Visit Johnson’s awards page
Huntington Beach
Helen F. Stacey Middle School
2026 California Distinguished School
2025 California School to Watch
Named a 2026 California Distinguished School for the third time, Stacey’s record of academic excellence and student success is unmatched in the district.
Visit Stacey’s awards page
Westminster
Willis H. Warner Middle School
2026 CABE Seal of Excellence
2025 California School to Watch
Celebrated for STEM innovation and bilingual excellence — 2026 CABE Seal of Excellence recipient — Warner’s students work on real-world projects like marine restoration.
Visit Warner’s awards pageWhat Recognition Looks Like in Practice
Behind every award is a program, a project, or a student moment worth knowing about.
Warner Middle School · STEM
Students raising Pismo clams for marine restoration
Warner students partnered with local scientists to raise Pismo clams and return them to the ocean — hands-on conservation work that reflects the school’s commitment to real-world learning.
Source: OC Register, March 17, 2025
Stacey Middle School · Achievement
Katelyn Nguyen at the Scripps National Spelling Bee
Stacey student Katelyn Nguyen represented Orange County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee — a historic moment and a testament to the student-centered culture Johnson’s staff has built.
Source: OC Register, May 25, 2024
Stacey Middle School · Excellence
Named a California Distinguished School for the third time
Stacey’s third Distinguished School designation in 2026 is a rare achievement — reflecting sustained, consistent excellence across student outcomes and school culture over many years.
Source: WSD District News, March 19, 2026
Warner Middle School · Bilingual Ed
2026 CABE Seal of Excellence for bilingual education
Warner’s CABE recognition honors its commitment to bilingual education, a key part of WSD’s recognized Dual Language Immersion pathway from elementary through middle school.
Source: WSD District News, March 19, 2026
In The News
WSD middle schools have earned recognition beyond our own walls.
Common Questions
- Can I choose any WSD middle school for my child?
- What programs are available at each middle school?
- Do the Dual Language Immersion programs continue into middle school?
- How do I transfer to a WSD middle school from outside the district?
Can I choose any WSD middle school for my child?
What programs are available at each middle school?
Do the Dual Language Immersion programs continue into middle school?
How do I transfer to a WSD middle school from outside the district?
Give Your Student a Middle School Experience Worth Celebrating.
WSD’s three award-winning middle schools are open to families across Westminster, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, and Midway City. Open enrollment means you can choose the school that’s the right fit for your student.