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 way in creating learning environments where young adolescents can belong, grow, and thrive."
The 2026 designation places Upson-Lee Middle School among a select group of schools demonstrating exemplary practices in educating young adolescents and reinforces the school's continued commitment to providing students with a high-quality middle school experience.
"We are extremely proud of Mrs. Gulley and the entire Upson-Lee Middle School faculty and staff for earning this national recognition," said Thomaston-Upson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tret Witherspoon.
Upson-Lee Middle School and the other 2026 Schools of Distinction will be recognized and will share exemplary practices at AMLE26: The 53rd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education, which will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, in November.
The Association for Middle Level Education is an international membership organization dedicated to helping middle grades educators reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools.
Additional information about the Schools of Distinction program is available through the Association for Middle Level Education.