Pioneer Middle School
About Us
Pioneer Middle School is the first middle school in TUSD to be recognized as both a National and California Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage School (1 of 275 middle schools were recognized across the nation in 2019). In addition to these first time recognitions, Pioneer was also named an International Model Professional Learning Community (PLC) Middle School (2008-2018), a California Gold Ribbon School (2015), an Apple Distinguished School (2016), a California Distinguished School (2013), an AVID Highly Certified School (2011-2018), a Scholar School by the California Business Education of Excellent (CBEE) (2012-2018), and ranked number one, number two, and in the top ten best schools in Orange County by the OC Register for three consecutive years.
Pioneer's vision of developing next generation learning environments stems from our belief that educators have a moral obligation to prepare our students today for the jobs and careers of their future. Currently, this vision of preparing Pioneer students, teachers, and parents for 21st Century Learning and the California Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is being supported through the passage of TUSD’s $135 million technology bond which provides every student with one to one iPads and every classroom with upgraded instructional technology. Pioneer truly recognizes that the middle school years are critical in preparing students for a successful college and/or career pathway. As one Pioneer student states, “Pioneer has helped our students exceed the expectations that no one thought possible. Pioneer is always taking into consideration the ideas of the other staff members and looking for new ways to better the school.”
Pioneer has trained over 250 educators in the PLC process, the establishment of tutorials, the creation of a Pyramid of Intervention (POI), the integration of technology, and the review and sharing of common assessments. Pioneer Middle School continues to rank in the top 3% of all middle schools across the nation! This success is the direct result of effective and innovative practices that motivate students to learn and excel. Pioneer’s passion for student achievement along with collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are consistently practiced for our Wildcats! Professional readings from Dweck's Growth Mindset, Reeves, Fast Grading, Vatterott's Rethinking Grading, and Jensen's Teacher with Poverty in Mind are indicators of a group of professionals that are committed with an intense focus on building a continuous learning community.
Preparing Pioneer students for 21st century learning is a primary focus for our Wildcats! Pioneer’s Professional Learning Community fully embraces the implementation of TUSD Connect's Vision: Rigorous Standards, Engaging Strategies, supported with Integrated Technology. We are proud of our community of learners and excited to see the results of the combined work of the students, staff and parents.
Dr. Brett D'Errico
Principal