Hudson Bend Middle School was one of eight Texas middle schools named a "School to Watch" in 2014 as part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

Each school was selected for its academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and interests of adolescents, and its commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels. Schools also demonstrated strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction, and a commitment to assessment and accountability to bring about continuous improvement, according to a news release.

"This is a well-deserved honor for the Hudson Bend school community," Lake Travis ISD Superintendent Brad Lancaster said in a news release. "This designation is a reflection of the campus leadership, teachers, support staff—and of course, our parents—whose collaborative efforts are clearly focused on sucess for all students at Hudson Bend Middle School."

Schools must submit a written application to show how the required criteria is met. State teams then observe classrooms, interview administrators, teachers, students and parents and look at achievement data, suspension rates, quality of lessons and student work. Schools are recognized for a three-year period and must repeat the process to be re-designated.

Each school was announced in December of 2013 and will receive a celebration in either April or May. Representatives from the selected schools will then be trained as members of the STW selection committee.