The National Forum for Advancing Excellence in Middle Grades awarded Arizona College Prep Middle School a "School to Watch" designation in late February.

Dr. Robert Caplinger, the state director for the Arizona Schools to Watch program, presented ACPMS Principal Manjula Reddy and school staff with the recognition and a $500 check at the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board’s Feb. 26 meeting.

Caplinger, by way of a CUSD news release, outlined what he stated is a rigorous selection and evaluation process the school underwent to earn the designation.

The STW program identifies schools with middle-level grades that are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, socially equitable, organized and structured for continuous improvement, the release states. These schools also demonstrate the STW criteria in an exemplary manner.

ACP Middle School is one of five schools to receive this inaugural honor.

Arizona joined the STW network in 2024, becoming the 20th state to participate. Over the past 26 years, more than 700 schools nationwide have earned this distinction. This is the first time Arizona schools have been honored.

ACPMS, along with the other top middle schools in the country, will be recognized at the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C., this June.

The STW evaluation team’s assessment of the Knights’ campus was quoted in the release.
“Arizona College Prep Middle School .... staff fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel challenged, empowered, and connected,” the team stated. “They provide .... relevant curriculum, and a focus on building critical thinking skills, all while prioritizing social-emotional development and fostering positive relationships with peers and adults within the school community.”

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.