Empowering Virginia's Middle Schools

Inspiring tomorrow's leaders, together in the middle.

The Virginia Middle School Association is an alliance of individuals and organizations advocating for academic excellence in a supportive, equitable learning environment responsive to the diverse interests, talents, accomplishments, and needs of young adolescents.

Students at VMSA conference
Who we are

Advocates for the middle level

Our mission & goals →

Information + support network

VMSA provides information resources as well as a support network for those working with students in the middle grades. We strive to support and improve middle level education to meet the academic, physical, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents.

Proactive leadership

We provide proactive leadership in collaboration with state and national organizations, governmental agencies, and institutions of higher learning — promoting high expectations, varied learning activities, flexible structures, positive climates, and family-community partnerships.

Academic Excellence

High expectations and authentic, interdisciplinary learning that helps every young adolescent thrive.

Developmental Responsiveness

Safe, healthy, relationship-centered schools designed for ages 10–15.

Social Equity

Access to quality programs for all students, using data to meet individual needs.

Annual Conference

Virginia's only conference dedicated exclusively to middle school educators

This dynamic annual event unites teachers, administrators, and advocates from across the Commonwealth for workshops, inspiring keynotes, and collaborative networking — all focused on empowering the unique needs of young adolescents. Join us to ignite ideas and elevate middle-level education!

2027 · James Madison University · March 17

Workshops on curriculum, classroom management, student support, and technology integration, plus keynote inspiration and statewide networking.

Educators networking at a past VMSA conference
Celebrating excellence

Awards that honor the middle grades

All awards & grants →
Schools to Watch

Model middle-grades schools

Identifies and celebrates schools demonstrating academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equity — using data to drive continuous improvement.

See 50+ schools

Schools of Distinction

Continuous improvement

AMLE Schools of Distinction celebrates commitment to best practices in The Successful Middle School: This We Believe, guiding self-assessment and strategic vision.

How it works

Purple Star Schools

Military-friendly schools

The Virginia Purple Star Designation honors schools showing major commitment to students and families connected to our nation's military. VMSA also certificates conference attendees annually.

Resources

Recent posts

News

All news →

LCPS Teachers Honored with 2026 Grant for Innovative Hands-On U.S. History Project

Read more

VMSA Celebrates Dr. Ken Nicely as the 2026 Barbara Nichols Educator of the Year

Read more

Sarah Wicker Earns 2026 Master in the Middle Teacher of the Year

Read more

Thank you

Sponsors

We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors of the Virginia Middle School Association. Their contributions make it possible to provide resources for our middle-level community of educators, students, and families.

Contact us · Join us

Have questions about awards, membership, or upcoming events? We're here to help!

For general inquiries reach us at info@vmsa.org or use the form. Join today and become part of a dynamic network dedicated to empowering middle-level educators!