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, and 2021. 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
  
  

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.