SE Valley Times

Kyrene Aprende Middle School has been acknowledged as one of the first five schools in Arizona to receive the School to Watch (STW) designation from The National Forum – Advancing Excellence in Middle Grades. This program highlights schools with middle-level grades that are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, socially equitable, and organized for continuous improvement.

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,” said Renee Kory, principal of Kyrene Aprende Middle School. “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!”

During a meeting on February 11, 2025, Dr. Robert Caplinger presented Principal Kory and Aprende staff with their recognition at the Kyrene Governing Board Meeting. He detailed the rigorous selection process that led to their STW designation and shared evaluation highlights with the board.

“Aprende Middle School provides a middle school program that demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative middle school practices," stated Dr. Caplinger. "The Aprende staff prioritizes a strong academic program, student wellbeing and extensive extracurricular opportunities."

In addition to their recognition, Aprende staff 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., where they will be recognized among top middle schools across the country.