Columbus, OH — Monday, August 17, 2026
The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is thrilled to announce the 2026 Schools of Distinction, recognizing 39 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 2026 Schools of Distinction are:
- Aiea Intermediate School, HI
- Ashland-Greenwood Middle School, NE
- Austin Preparatory School, MA
- Belmont Ridge Middle School, VA
- Benjamin Tasker Middle School, MD
- Blake Bass Middle School, GA
- Blue Ridge Middle School, VA
- Cloverleaf Middle School, OH
- Coastal Middle School, GA
- Corbett Preparatory School, FL
- Douglas Middle School, WY
- Eagle Ridge Middle School, VA
- Franklin Ave. Middle School, NJ
- Greenwood College School, Canada
- Iao Intermediate School, HI
- Indian Creek Middle School, IN
- Laveen Elementary School, AZ
- Lee County Middle School East, GA
- Lee County Middle School West, GA
- Marshall Middle School, PA
- New Hope-Solebury Middle School, PA
- Niu Valley Middle School, HI
- Pahoa High School, HI
- Ridgeview Charter Middle School, GA
- River Bend Middle School, VA
- Sayville Middle School, NY
- Seaford Middle School, NY
- Smart’s Mill Middle School, VA
- The Steward School, VA
- Trafalgar School for Girls, Canada
- Unity School, FL
- Upson Lee Middle School, GA
- Valley View Middle School, NJ
- Walworth Barbour AIS, Israel
- Watson Mountain Middle School, VA
- Westview Middle School, CO
- Wilmington Middle School, MA
- Woodmere Middle School, NY
- York Suburban Middle School, PA
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.
“The 2026 Schools of Distinction once again remind us that great middle schools do not happen by accident, they are built through intentional practices, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of young adolescents,” said Chris Woodside, AMLE CEO. “These 39 schools are leading the way in creating learning environments where young adolescents can belong, grow, and thrive.
We are especially proud to recognize schools earning this distinction for the first time alongside those renewing their commitment to excellence. The continued growth of the Schools of Distinction program is a testament to the unparalleled commitment to excellence of middle level educators, and we thank each of them who embarked on this journey.
Their willingness to share what they are learning and doing well strengthens the entire middle level education community. Congratulations to all!”
The 2026 Schools of Distinction will present their exemplary practices and be recognized at AMLE26: The 53rd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education in Nashville, Tennessee, this November. The program is open annually to any school serving students ages 10–15. To learn more about the AMLE Schools of Distinction and The Successful Middle School program, visit amle.org/sod.
###
About the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE)
The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is an international membership organization that helps middle grades educators reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools. To learn more, visit amle.org.