Altona Middle School and Flagstaff Academy recognized as 2025 Colorado Trailblazer Schools to Watch

Altona Middle School and Flagstaff Academy have been recognized by Colorado Association of Middle Level Education (CAMLE) as 2025 Colorado Trailblazer Schools to Watch. The middle schools are two of five selected in Colorado and will be recognized nationwide at the National Schools to Watch Conference in June 2025 in Washington, DC.

Selection is based on a written application that requires schools to show how they met the criteria developed by the Forum. State teams organized by the Colorado Schools to Watch program conduct site visits in order to affirm that they have indeed met the rigorous requirements of the award. These teams observe classrooms, interview administrators, teachers, and parents, review achievement data, suspension rates, instructional quality, and student work. Schools are recognized for a three-year period, and at the end of three years must repeat the process in order to be re-designated. 

“Receiving the Schools to Watch designation for the third time is an incredible honor for Altona Middle School,” said Altona Middle School principal Jeremy LaCrosse. “This recognition validates our staff and teachers’ hard work and dedication to excellence, as demonstrated by the positive feedback we received from students and parents during the evaluation process. Our students feel empowered and engaged, and our parents appreciate the strong sense of community and rigorous learning opportunities we provide. We are proud to create an environment where our kids are excited to learn each day and will continue to prioritize their growth and success through engaging and meaningful learning experiences.”