FORT LUPTON, Colo. -- Fort Lupton Middle School has been named the Middle School of the Year by the National Association of Middle School Principals.

The award focuses not only on academics, but also programs that encourage students to go above and beyond the school’s expectations, according to the Greeley Tribune.

Fort Lupton Middle School has 450 students in sixth to eighth grades. It is part of the Weld County Re-8 school district.

"Our staff puts the students first for everything," said Rose Bravo, a school employee.

"Fort Lupton is a smaller town and our parents are very involved," said Bravo. "Parents are welcome any time and they’re on a first-name basis."

The school's AVID program has set a goal of ensuring that all students succeed in rigorous curriculum, complete a rigorous college preparatory path, enter mainstream activities at the school and become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

FLMS boosts programs such as "Where Everybody Belongs." In that program, select eighth-graders are trained in team-building activities, cooperative skill development and discussion skills. Then each eighth-grader is given a list of eight to 10 sixth-graders to telephone and personally invite to the orientation and to stay in touch with throughout the school year.

The school also offers "Power Hour", an after-school program in which students complete their homework in a place where teachers are available to help.