School Overview
A School to Watch, A Community to Believe In
Cesar Chavez Middle School is proud to be recognized as a 2024 School to Watch by the California Department of Education and the California League of Educators (CLE) — an honor that highlights our commitment to academic excellence, a supportive campus culture, and student success.
As the second school in Lynwood Unified to earn this distinction, Cesar Chavez represents the very best in middle school education. This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, educators, families, and community in building a place where every scholar can thrive.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious designation, which is a testament to the dedication of our teachers and staff, students, and our community to foster a supportive environment in which every scholar thrives.”
— Principal Susan Riehle
Where Opportunity Meets Achievement
At Cesar Chavez Middle School, we offer a wide range of academic and enrichment programs that challenge and inspire our students. From Project Lead the Way and Career Technical Education (CTE) courses — like Flight and Space and Video Production — to award-winning programs such as MESA, Mock Trial, and Academic Pentathlon, students have the tools to discover new interests and sharpen 21st-century skills.
Weekly supports like WOW Wednesdays provide in-school academic interventions, while our strong focus on social-emotional learning ensures students grow with confidence, resilience, and self-awareness.
“I’m really proud to be a student here at Cesar Chavez Middle School because the teachers and students here have made it such a great environment. I enjoy and look forward to coming to school every day.”
— Aleshany Yanez, ASB President
A Community Rooted in Support
Our success stems from a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and high expectations. Teachers and staff work side-by-side with students and families to ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.
The Schools to Watch recognition followed a rigorous selection process that included a detailed application and a full campus visit, where CLE representatives observed classrooms, spoke with students and staff, and experienced the welcoming culture of CCMS firsthand.