Upson-Lee Middle School Named a 2026
AMLE School of Distinction
August 17, 2026
Upson-Lee Middle School has been named a 2026 School of Distinction by the Association for
Middle Level Education (AMLE), earning national recognition for its commitment to excellence in
middle grades education and continuous school improvement.
Upson-Lee Middle School is one of just 39 schools recognized worldwide as a 2026 AMLE
School of Distinction. The honorees include schools from across the United States as well as
Canada and Israel.
The recognition is especially significant for Upson-Lee Middle School, which was previously
named an AMLE School of Distinction in 2022. AMLE recognition is awarded on a four-year
cycle, requiring schools to reapply to maintain their School of Distinction status and demonstrate
an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
"This recognition is a tremendous honor for Upson-Lee Middle School and reflects the hard
work taking place throughout the school each day," said ULMS Principal Rhonda Gulley. "Our
teachers and staff are committed to creating an environment where our students feel supported,
challenged, and connected. Being recognized again as an AMLE School of Distinction validates
that commitment and the work of our entire school community."
The AMLE Schools of Distinction program is both a recognition and continuous improvement
initiative for schools serving students ages 10–15. The program recognizes schools committed
to the middle grades best practices outlined in AMLE's foundational text, The Successful Middle
School: This We Believe. Schools also participate in self-assessment and strategic
vision-setting designed to support continued growth and success.
According to AMLE, schools are selected through a rigorous review process focused on the
characteristics of successful middle grades schools and their commitment to continuous
improvement. As part of the 2026 selection process, schools demonstrated excellence in
implementing middle grades best practices and continuous improvement plans, with the
evaluation supported by stakeholder interviews involving 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, in announcing this
year's recipients. "These 39 schools are leading the wa
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