Crabapple and Webb Bridge middle schools have been re-designated as Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Schools have to reapply for the  recognition every three years. Crabapple was first selected in 2003, and Webb Bridge was selected in 2005.  Each school was selected for its academic excellence, its responsiveness to young adolescents and its commitment to high student achievement. The Lighthouse Schools to Watch program also sponsors a Beacon School distinction, an award with similar criteria that has been awarded to  Holcomb Bridge Middle School for 2012.