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Middle School Info

Dear Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Grade Families,

We’re excited to share information about McAuliffe’s Alternative Middle School Program within the Cupertino Union School District—an established program designed for students who thrive in a small, close-knit learning environment with strong academics at its core.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Small by design
    Students learn together in one classroom with a dedicated teacher, creating strong relationships, consistency, and a true sense of belonging.
  • Strong academics, taught differently
    Rigorous academics are delivered through integrated, hands-on learning that emphasizes depth of understanding and critical thinking. 
  • High school ready
    8th graders can take grade-level pre-algebra, Algebra or Geometry. Most take Algebra. In 2025–26, in a nationally normed standardized test (NWEA), our median score was in the 97th percentile. McAuliffe is an assigned feeder to Lynbrook High School.
  • Project-based & experiential
    Students learn by doing—through meaningful projects, discussion, field trips, a full drama production, a 1-year-long passion project, overnight camps, and real-world applications.
  • Future-ready skills
    Daily practice in communication, collaboration, self-advocacy, and time management.
  • Ownership, reflection & leadership
    Students reflect on their learning, lead conferences, and take responsibility for their work. They are encouraged to take risks and find leadership opportunities.
  • Focused and impactful parent participation
    Families enrich the program by supporting electives (art, cooking, languages, coding, 3D design and printing, and more), mentoring projects, and supporting field trips.

Priority Open Enrollment: McAuliffe Middle School (2026–2027)

  • Next steps: Attend a tour at our beautiful Saratoga campus on Wednesday, February 11th from 9-11:30 am (sign up on our website).  
  • When: Apply during the Priority Open Enrollment Window, February 2nd - 13th, 2026, to secure a spot in the 2026–2027 lottery.
  • Who: Currently enrolled CUSD 5–7th Grade students. Students who are new to CUSD or interested in moving into the district to apply should review additional registration requirements here and contact the district office. 

We’d love to connect and share more about whether McAuliffe is the right fit for your family.

Warm regards,

Mary Alarid-Enright

Principal, Christa McAuliffe School