Lewisville Middle School joins five other South Carolina middle schools to be recognized in the latest Schools to Watch list by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. The school’s emphasis on strong academics, sensitivity to young adolescents’ needs and interests, and commitment to providing all students equal access to a high-quality education resulted in the well-deserved award.
S.C. Schools to Watch Co-Director, Dr. David McDonald said, “These principals, teachers, and staff members, along with their communities, have dedicated themselves to being strong examples for sustaining growth and development of their students. Schools are required to submit anextensive application, undergo a site review, and display a strong commitment to the thirty-sevencriteria for high performing middle schools identified by the National Forum. Their success hasearned them this highly sought-after designation. Each of these schools have made acommitment to the Schools to Watch Framework for continuous school improvement.”
In 2006, South Carolina became a state Schools to Watch state by the National Forum to replicate the Schools to Watch program to identify high-performing middle grades schools to serve as models of excellence for other schools. Currently, 20 states are involved in this school reform and recognition initiative. The program is sponsored by the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education and the South Carolina Middle Grades Initiative.
To be selected for Schools to Watch, schools must demonstrate the following qualities:
Academically Excellent: The school delivers a rigorous, relevant curriculum that preparesstudents for real-world learning and success.
Developmentally Responsive: The school provides a safe, healthy, and personalized learningenvironment that meets the unique needs and interests of young adolescents.
Socially Equitable: All students have equitable access to high-quality coursework, resources, and the academic and social support necessary to achieve at high levels.
Organized with Supportive Structure: The school operates with shared leadership, collaborative professional learning communities, targeted professional development, andeffective organizational systems that support continuous improvement.
“We are beyond honored to receive this prestigious award,” LMS Principal Brian Edmond said. “Our teachers, staff, and students work tirelessly every day to create a learning environment where all students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. This recognition is a direct reflection of their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.”
All schools receiving the award will be showcased as models throughout South Carolina and the nation to promote their approaches to instruction, parent and community involvement, and professional development. The schools will be recognized at the South Carolina Middle School Conference in Myrtle Beach on February 27-March 1, 2026, and this summer in Washington, DC at the National Schools to Watch Conference in June 2026.
Interim Superintendent Tammy Snipes praised the school’s achievement and its impact on the district. “We are proud of Lewisville Middle School for being designated as a School to Watch,” Snipes said. “The faculty and staff, students, and community have worked hard to earn this distinction and have helped to set an example of excellence for middle schools across the district and state. I could not be more proud of their work.”
For more information about the state’s Schools to Watch program, visit scamle.org.