Six LCPS middle schools – Belmont Ridge Middle School, Blue Ridge Middle School, Eagle Ridge Middle School, River Bend Middle School, Smart’s Mill Middle School and Watson Mountain Middle School – have been recognized as 2026 Schools of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). This is the second time Belmont Ridge, River Bend and Smart’s Mill have received this recognition. 

These six LCPS schools are among just 39 middle schools – and the only Virginia middle schools –  recognized by AMLE for their commitment to young adolescent education and continuous improvement. These schools set the standard for best practices for middle grades. Through a rigorous evaluation process, Schools of Distinction demonstrate excellence in implementing best practices and continuous improvement plans, supported by stakeholder interviews with staff, students and families.

The LCPS schools honored this year join seven other LCPS middle schools – Brambleton Middle School, Farmwell Station Middle School, Gum Spring Middle School, J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, Seneca Ridge Middle School, J. Lupton Simpson Middle School and Willard Middle School – recognized previously as Schools of Distinction. 

Schools are selected as AMLE Schools of Distinction on an annual basis, and the recognition is awarded on a four-year cycle. Schools must reapply after each cycle to maintain their Schools of Distinction Status and are expected to maintain continuous improvement work throughout their recognition.

Each recognized school is also featured on the AMLE website in a searchable database, showcasing detailed profiles and videos of its practices. The 2026 Schools of Distinction will be recognized and present their exemplary practices at the 53rd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education in Nashville, Tennessee, in November.