The third middle school in the Cumberland County Schools (CCS) system has recently earned the prestigious "Schools to Watch" designation from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, through the NC Schools to Watch program and the NC Association for Middle Level Education (NCMLE).

New Century International Middle School (NCIMS) has been honored as one of the top middle schools in the nation, recognized for its outstanding academic performance, dedication to student growth and innovative practices that promote continuous improvement. This prestigious recognition places NCIMS among an elite group of middle schools nationwide, highlighting its commitment to excellence in education and student development.

New Century International Middle School, John Griffin Middle School and Seventy-First Classical Middle School were honored on March 24 during a special awards luncheon at the 2025 North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Conference (NCMLE) in Charlotte, NC.    

"Being designated as a 'School to Watch' is more than an accolade," said NCIMS Principal Gemette McEachern in a press release. "It's a testament to our unwavering dedication to our students, the resilience of our staff and the shared commitment to excellence that defines our school community. This recognition affirms that if you dream big, work hard and believe in every student, greatness follows."

The Schools to Watch (STW) designation, established by the National Forum, identifies and celebrates middle-grade schools that meet rigorous criteria for excellence. Schools selected for this honor demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic excellence, where all students are challenged to use their minds well.
• Strong developmental responsiveness to the unique needs and interests of early adolescents.
• Commitment to ensuring every student has access to high-quality classes and the support they need to achieve at high levels.
• Organizational structures that support continuous improvement and maintain high-performance outcomes.

The selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation of the school's practices that included detailed written applications, site visits by state teams, interviews with school administrators, teachers, students and parents; student achievement data review as well as the assessment of school practices and policies.

“Earning the esteemed ‘Schools to Watch’ designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the educators, students and community at New Century International Middle School,” said Dr. LaShanda Carver-Moore, the area superintendent of School Support – Middle Grades during the ceremony. “This recognition reflects their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and ongoing growth. Congratulations, New Century International Middle — you’ve earned it!”

The school will be honored alongside top middle-grade schools from across the country at the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C. This designation is valid for three years, after which the school can apply for re-designation to maintain its status as a School to Watch. To learn more about the Schools to Watch program, visit https://www.middlegradesforum.org/.