Kirksey Middle School was the first school in the state of Arkansas to be selected as an Arkansas Diamond School to Watch (February 12, 2007). The visitation team unanimously agreed that Kirksey Middle School fits the definition of being a school that is conscientiously moving to fully meet the nationally endorsed criteria of high performing middle schools. To earn this award a school must show marked progress in meeting all the criteria, including measurable gains in student achievement over time. The criteria of a high-performing middle school can be narrowed to three categories:

1) Academic excellence

2) Developmentally responsive

3) Social equity.