McCracken Middle School is one of 600 exemplary middle-grades schools across the nation that has earned distinction as a National Schools to Watch as part of a recognition and continuous improvement program developed by the National Forum, a nonprofit educators’ association. The school was selected by state leaders to serve as a model to mentor other schools because of its demonstrated social equity, developmental responsiveness, academic excellence, and innovative systems. Schools to Watch have different strengths and challenges, but what they share is a dedication to young adolescents and a commitment to helping all students belong, learn, and grow. In addition, Schools to Watch have strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction, and a commitment to continuous improvement that is based on supporting the whole child through social, emotional, and academic growth. "When you walk on a School to Watch campus in any state, you feel the difference,” said Cathy Perry, National Forum executive director. “Students can’t wait to tell you about their school. Parents line up to meet with the visiting Schools to Watch team. Teachers work together and have camaraderie. Administrators are true instructional leaders. The Schools to Watch program has shown that when you take care of students and staff, everyone is motivated to learn at higher levels." The schools across the county  vary in size from several hundred to several thousand students. They represent urban, suburban, and rural communities and feature a wide mix of cultures, languages, ethnicities, and community assets.

All together, there are 17 states in the Schools to Watch program and there are over 600 Schools to Watch nationwide.

• Red Carpet School

• Palmetto Silver Winner for Academic Achievement and Closing The Gap

• Palmetto Gold Winner

• Palmetto Silver Winner for Closing the Achievement Gap

• National Forum To Accelerate Middle Grades Education Schools To Watch Designation

• National Forum To Accelerate Middle Grades Education Schools to Watch Re-Designation1