WoodCreek Junior High School (WCJH) has been recognized as a Texas School to Watch, placing the campus among approximately 70 middle schools statewide and within the top four to five percent of middle schools nationally for excellence in teaching, leadership and student achievement, according to a March 18 press release from Katy ISD.

The campus, located at 1801 Wood Creek Bend Lane in Katy near Katy Flewellen Road, serves a student population of 1,569 students and received an “A” rating during the 2024-2025 school year, according to reporting by the Texas Tribune.

The Texas School to Watch designation is awarded through a program supported by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Schools are selected based on nationally endorsed criteria that emphasize academic excellence, effective leadership, strong instructional practices and measurable gains in student achievement over time.

“The elite designation highlights middle schools that demonstrate strong academic performance, collaborative staff culture, developmental responsiveness and a commitment to continuous improvement,” the press release said. WoodCreek Junior High earned the recognition following a rigorous evaluation process that included a detailed application and an on-site visit by state reviewers.

“Being named a Texas School to Watch is a tremendous honor and reflects the dedication of our teachers and the strength of our WoodCreek Junior High School community,” said Andrew Lowry, principal of WoodCreek Junior High. “At WoodCreek, we believe every student matters, and every moment counts. This recognition celebrates the collective work happening across our campus.”

During the site visit, reviewers praised the campus’ leadership structures, aligned curriculum and collaborative professional culture among educators. The evaluation also highlighted the school’s focus on meeting the developmental needs of middle school students while maintaining high expectations for academic success.

WCJH was formally recognized at the Making Middle School Matter Symposium in Austin. The campus will receive national recognition at the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C., in June 2026.

“Katy ISD is proud of the WoodCreek Junior High community for earning this outstanding recognition,” said Christine Caskey, chief academic officer in Katy ISD. “Their commitment to innovation, collaboration and high-quality instruction exemplifies the district’s mission to provide unparalleled learning experiences for every student.”

Texas Schools to Watch serve as model campuses, sharing best practices and mentoring other schools striving to strengthen middle school education.