Challenger Middle School is a traditional public school located in the community of Mira Mesa. We are a neighborhood school whose demographic population is diverse in its socioeconomic levels, cultures, and ethnicities. Challenger is named in honor of the space shuttle Challenger and her courageous crew which included the first “Teacher in Space,” Christa McAuliffe. In 1987, Challenger began as a grade seven junior high in temporary bungalows. Permanent buildings opened in 1990 and eighth graders joined the campus in 1991. Challenger became a middle school with 6th through 8th grades in 1996 and earned the California Distinguished School status in 2001, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2026. Since then, Challenger has continued to foster lifelong learning by collaborating and coordinating with a minimum of three elementary schools and a high school. The Challenger community believes in educating the whole child. We offer enrichment activities, pursue high physical fitness and nutrition standards, and maintain a culture of high expectations and rigorous academics.
Challenger Vision
The Challenger Middle School community educates and empowers every child to excel academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. We model integrity, persistence, critical thinking, reflection, and communication. We accept individual differences to cultivate a sense of belonging. We rise to every challenge as we prepare for high school and beyond.
Challenger Motto - "We Touch the Future, We Teach"
Challenger's motto is a modified version of the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe's, famous quote "I touch the future, I teach."
Challenger Mission
As a community we work to develop and nurture:
- Life-long learners
- A love of learning
- The pursuit of personal excellence
- Responsible citizens of good character
- A safe environment
- A community that embraces diversity
The CATS Program
The CATS Program encompasses a variety of items we already do at Challenger such as using student planners for organization and structure. Our Wellness Committee takes the lead on how to bring our entire community, including students, parents and staff, together.
Community -Your community can be your neighborhood, family, friends, school, businesses, libraries, parks, etc. Do your best to make it safe, caring and clean. It starts with you!
*Be Caring *Be Responsible
Attitude -You are in charge of your attitude each day. You can choose to react to a situation positively or negatively. The choice is up to you!
*Have Fun *Be Positive
Tolerance -The world is made up of all different kinds of people. Wouldn't it be a boring place if we were all the same? Strive to respect, accept, and learn from each other!
*Be Compassionate *Be Accepting
Scholarship -Always do your best and take pride in anything and everything you do. Push yourself above and beyond people's (and your own) expectations of yourself. If you always do your best, you will have no regrets. Autograph everything you do with excellence!
*Explore Your World *Learn New Things
Advisory - This fifteen minute class allows us to take care of school business without impacting instruction time. The Advisory Committee works with the Wellness Committee to create lessons around mindfulness, character education, cultural awareness, with ASB sponsoring fun school spirit activities during this period.
CATS Tickets - Students are recognized for behavior which follows the CATS philosophy. The Wellness Committee will draw from names periodically to reward those students with prizes.
Everything You Do And Everything You Say Sends A Message -This mural completed in 2011 by artist Justin Devine inspires students, staff, and visitors to be leaders through thoughtful words and actions.