Kyrene Aprende Middle School has been named one of the first five Arizona schools to receive the prestigious School to Watch® (STW) designation from The National Forum – Advancing Excellence in Middle Grades.

The STW program identifies and honors schools with middle-level grades that are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, socially equitable, organized and structured for continuous improvement and exemplars of the STW criteria. 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 recognition means so much to the Aprende community,” Aprende principal Renee Kory said. “Educators and school communities do not get the acknowledgment and positive praise they undoubtedly deserve, so being recognized at the national level for being an exemplary middle school is quite an honor. I am proud of my teachers, students, parents, and community—they deserve this award, and I am grateful to lead alongside them!”

At the February 11, 2025 Kyrene Governing Board Meeting, Dr. Robert Caplinger, the inaugural State Director for the Arizona Schools to Watch program, presented Principal Kory and Aprende staff with the recognition, outlining the rigorous selection and evaluation process the school underwent to earn the STW designation. He also shared key highlights from their evaluation with the Governing Board.

“Aprende Middle School provides a middle school program that demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative middle school practices, a student-centered approach to teaching and learning, a supportive learning environment and a well-rounded approach to student development,” Dr. Caplinger said. “The Aprende staff prioritizes a strong academic program, student wellbeing and extensive extracurricular opportunities. They exceeded our expectations and serve as a model for middle schools across Arizona.”

In recognition of their achievement, Aprende staff also received a $500 award from Mountain America Credit Union. The school will be honored at the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C., this June, where they will be recognized among the top middle schools in the country.