I.S. 254

TEAM 254, a neighborhood middle school in Belmont that also admits children from outside the attendance zone, has a black box theater for drama classes, two well-equipped science labs and a large outdoor track. 

Principal Javier Ocampo, who took the helm in March 2018, quickly won the trust of both parents and teachers. Parents and teachers overwhelmingly say he is an effective manager, according to school surveys. A former field support liaison for district 10, Ocampo has two degrees in psychology.

Most children enter the school a year or more behind in reading. Non-English speakers make up about 40 percent of the student body, and roughly one-third has special needs. 

The school, founded in 1999, uses the Middle School Quality Initiative to boost reading by placing focus on vocabulary and debate. Teachers also visit each other to share ideas and work with teachers at other schools, according to the Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP). 

Admissions: Students who live in the attendance zone are guaranteed a seat. Students from district 9 and 10 may also apply, but there are many more applicants than seats. (May 2019)