This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
On Wednesday, May 1, Flagstaff Academy joined the list of Colorado Schools to Watch for 2019.
Flagstaff joins five other area schools, Brentwood Middle School in Greeley, Flagstaff Academy in Longmont, Preston Middle School in Fort Collins, Rocky Top Middle School in Thornton, and West Middle School in Colorado Springs as a part of 100+ schools that will be recognized at the National Schools to Watch Conference in June in Washington D.C.
In order to be awarded the title of a School to Watch, schools must meet a set of rigorous requirements and demonstrate their applications in classrooms to a team coordinated by the National Forum of Schools to Watch.
Schools are recognized for a three year period and must reapply to receive the designation again.
Schools to Watch began in 1999 as a national program that identifies middle-level grades across the country. These middle grade schools are required to meet 37 criteria to receive recognition.
“These Schools to Watch are indeed special; they make education so exciting that students and teachers don’t want to miss a day. They have proven that it is possible to achieve a high degree of educational excellence, and any middle-level school can truly learn from their example,” said Ericka Uskali, Forum executive director. “We are pleased that our Schools to Watch program have shown that schools can meet high academic expectations while preserving a commitment to healthy development and equity for all students.”
Flagstaff Academy was highlighted for their many special classes, their use of technology, and for the community the school promotes, among a variety of other things the school provides for students.
The following video is of the celebration hosted at Flagstaff Academy:
