Newhart Middle School offers many programs not common in this day and age. It has wood shop classes and a home economics program, and its music program has been nationally recognized. Another program at Newhart helps new English speakers learn the language. A product of the Capistrano Unified School District, and having attended San Juan Elementary, Marco Forster Middle School and graduating Capistrano Valley High School, Jeff Jones will begin his first year at Newhart as Principal in the 2010-11 year. The school is able to use the city of Mission Viejo's nearby baseball, basketball and soccer fields for physical education. The school's mascot is the panther.