Sayville Middle School Named a School of Distinction by the Association of Middle Level Education

The Sayville Union Free School District is proud to announce that Sayville Middle School has been named a 2026 School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), earning the recognition as one of just 39 schools representing 15 states and three countries selected for this prestigious honor.

The AMLE Schools of Distinction program recognizes schools that exemplify the principles outlined in The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, AMLE's landmark position paper, fifth edition (2021). Grounded in more than 50 years of research on middle level education, the framework identifies the essential attributes and characteristics of successful middle grades schools.

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Schools of Distinction are selected through a rigorous application and evaluation process. Recipient schools demonstrate excellence in implementing middle level best practices and meaningful continuous improvement efforts. The process includes a school-wide assessment, analysis of data, development of continuous improvement plans and stakeholder interviews involving a broad representation of students, teachers, families, support staff and administrators.

"This achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication that our amazing teachers and staff bring to our middle-level learners every single day," said Sayville Middle School Principal Dr. Joseph Castoro.

For Sayville Middle School, the application process was an extensive opportunity for analysis, reflection and growth. Dr. Castoro recalled the significant time devoted to reviewing the school's programs and practices, followed by surveys of students and staff. After a thoughtful and thorough analysis of the resulting data, representatives from AMLE conducted interviews with stakeholder groups to help determine the school's eligibility for the distinction.

The Schools of Distinction program is designed not only to recognize exemplary schools but also to create a network of schools that can learn from and support one another. AMLE maintains a searchable online database featuring profiles of Schools of Distinction, including videos highlighting their promising practices and approaches.

The criteria for the distinction are rooted in more than five decades of research on middle level education, as articulated in The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, AMLE's foundational position paper on best practices for the middle grades.

"The 2026 Schools of Distinction once again remind us that great middle schools do not happen by accident, they are built through intentional practices, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of young adolescents," said Chris Woodside, AMLE CEO. "These 39 schools are leading the way in creating learning environments where young adolescents can belong, grow, and thrive.

The 2026 Schools of Distinction will be formally recognized and celebrated at AMLE26: The 53rd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education, taking place in November 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district's website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saydistrictpr. #CaringAndLearning