Columbus, OH — Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is thrilled to announce the 2025 Schools of Distinction, recognizing 24 exemplary middle schools for their outstanding commitment to young adolescent education and continuous improvement. These schools set a powerful standard for middle grades best practices, inspiring educators worldwide.
The 2025 Schools of Distinction are:
- Aliamanu Middle School, HI
- Central Middle School, GA
- Chouteau Middle School, OK
- Elwood Middle School, NY
- Gemini Middle School, IL
- Greenbrier Middle School, AR
- Gum Spring Middle School, VA
- Hudson Middle School, OH
- Kaimuki Middle School, HI
- Learning Community Charter School, NJ
- Lunsford Middle School, VA
- Madison Country Day, WI
- Mattoon Middle School, IL
- Moanalua Middle School, HI
- Phoenix Middle School, OH
- Ridgedale Middle School, NJ
- Schoenbar Middle School, AK
- Seneca Ridge Middle School, VA
- Sheridan School, Washington, D.C.
- Smyrna Middle School, TN
- Tybee Island Maritime Academy, GA
- Udall Road Middle School, NY
- Wisdom Lane Middle School, NY
- Woodstock Union Middle School, VT
The AMLE Schools of Distinction program honors schools that embody the principles outlined in The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, AMLE’s landmark position paper (fifth edition, 2021), rooted in over 50 years of middle level education research. Through a rigorous evaluation process, recipient schools demonstrated excellence in implementing best practices and continuous improvement plans, supported by stakeholder interviews with staff, students, and families.
“These 24 schools exemplify what’s possible when educators prioritize the unique needs of young adolescents,” said Stephanie Simpson, AMLE CEO. “The Schools of Distinction program not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters a collaborative network where schools learn from and inspire one another.”
Each recognized school is now featured on the AMLE website in a searchable database, showcasing detailed profiles and videos of their promising practices. These resources serve as a professional development tool, empowering other schools to pursue continuous improvement.
“We congratulate our 2025 Schools of Distinction and look forward to celebrating their innovative practices at AMLE25, our 52nd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education in Indianapolis this November,” said Katie Johnson, Chair of the AMLE Schools of Distinction Committee. “This achievement reflects the dedication of school communities and the collaborative efforts of our committee and AMLE staff.”
The 2025 Schools of Distinction will be recognized and present their exemplary practices at AMLE25: The 52nd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education in Indianapolis, Indiana, this November. The program is open annually to any school serving 10–15-year-old students.
Interested in becoming an AMLE School of Distinction? Join us for an open information session on September 9th.