Tybee Island Maritime Academy is thrilled to announce that the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) has recognized TIMA as a 2025 School of Distinction.

The AMLE Schools of Distinction program honors schools that exemplify best practices in middle-level education while guiding them through a strategic vision-setting process to drive continuous improvement. Grounded in AMLE’s foundational position paper, The Successful Middle School: This We Believe (now in its fifth edition and 43rd year), the program evaluates schools on their implementation of research-based criteria tailored to young adolescents. 

Tybee Island Maritime Academy earned this prestigious honor through a rigorous review process, including a comprehensive school-wide assessment, continuous improvement planning, and stakeholder interviews with staff, students, and families. The evaluation highlighted STEAM culture, place-based interdisciplinary learning, and strong community partnerships as standout strengths.

“It is an honor to recognize Tybee Island Maritime Academy as a 2025 AMLE School of Distinction,” said Stephanie Simpson, CEO of AMLE. “Their dedication to fostering a thriving middle school community sets a powerful example, and we’re excited to share their story with educators worldwide.”

”We are deeply honored to be named an AMLE School of Distinction, as this recognition reflects the dedication of our students, educators, and the Tybee community who make this school such a special place,” stated Peter Ulrich, Executive Director of Tybee Island Maritime Academy. “At the same time, we hope others see that our success isn’t limited to one setting-it’s possible everywhere.” 

“Every middle schooler deserves to experience education in this way, and this honor highlights what can be achieved when educators are committed to student-centered, innovative learning,” said Alicia Beck, Principal of Tybee Island Maritime Academy. 

“The AMLE Schools of Distinction Committee extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tybee Island Maritime Academy on this well-deserved recognition! We look forward to celebrating their innovative practices at our annual conference in November and learning from their success,” said Katie Johnson, Chair of the AMLE Schools of Distinction Committee. “I deeply appreciate the support and collaboration of all school stakeholders, committee members, and AMLE staff in this year’s selection process.”  

As a 2025 School of Distinction, Tybee Island Maritime Academy joins a network of exemplary middle schools featured in AMLE’s searchable online database, showcasing their promising practices through detailed profiles and videos. The school will present its achievements live at AMLE25 in Indianapolis, Indiana 

For more information about the AMLE Schools of Distinction program, visit amle.org/sod.