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York Suburban Middle School

Schools of Distinction Profile

York Suburban Middle School was recognized in 2026 as an AMLE School of Distinction. One of the goals of the program is to foster a network of schools that share promising practices positively impacting young adolescents. The below profile provides highlights of a few of York Suburban Middle School’s exemplary practices aligned with the 18 Characteristics of Successful Middle Schools.

Connect with York Suburban Middle School Leadership Team

Demographic Information

Location: York, Pennsylvania
School Setting: Suburban
Grade Configuration: 6-8
School Enrollment: 725

Leadership

Dr. Michael Snedden, Principal
Mr. Tyler Laudeman, Assistant Principal

Key Practices

  • counseling
  • diversity/social equity
  • leadership
  • middle school concept
  • organizational structure
  • scheduling
  • school culture/climate
  • special education/inclusion
  • student engagement
  • student motivation
  • teaching
  • teaming
  • transitions to/from middle school
  • young adolescent development

Highlights of Exemplary Practices Aligned with the 18 Characteristics of Successful Middle Schools

Core AMLE Alignments

Essential AMLE Attributes:

Responsive, Equitable, and Engaging

Key AMLE Characteristics: 1. A school culture that is inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive of all.

2. Every student's academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate.

Curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and diverse. At York Suburban Middle School (YSMS), we believe that middle school is about more than academics; it is about finding out who you are and where you fit in the world. Our school culture is grounded in three of AMLE’s Essential Attributes: being Responsive to young adolescent needs, remaining Equitable in how we support every student, and creating an Engaging environment where kids actually want to be.

Those attributes are evident at YSMS every day through a culture of care and connection, strengthening the student-adult bond and engaging every student beyond the classroom.

A Culture of Care and Connection

AMLE Alignment: "A school culture that is inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive of all."

We have intentionally built our entire school community around the concept of school connectedness. From our classrooms to our hallways, we want every student to know they are valued and that their presence matters. To support this, YSMS utilizes restorative practices to resolve conflicts, teach empathy, and build a strong community. This proactive approach ensures our building is a safe, inclusive space where students feel secure enough to take risks, fail forward, and grow.

Strengthening the Student-Adult Bond

AMLE Alignment: "Every student’s development is guided by an adult advocate."

Our school survey data showed us something important: while our students deeply value our incredible counseling department, we needed to make sure every single student felt a consistent, daily connection with an adult. We took this feedback to heart and made it a priority. Through our student-to-student mentorship initiatives, we were closing that gap, but we are beginning a formal advisory program to strengthen our adult-student connections. We are ensuring that no student flies under the radar and that every young adult at YSMS has a go-to advocate guiding their personal and academic growth.

Engaging Every Student Outside the Classroom

AMLE Alignment: "Curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and diverse."

Belonging doesn't just happen during math or science; we believe it happens when students find their passion. We strive to have 100% of our student body connected to YSMS through our diverse extracurricular programs. We offer: 1. A robust sports and musical arts program that celebrates teamwork and creative expression. 2. A large, integrated club program designed to let students explore new interests, hobbies, and potential career paths during the school day.

By offering so many pathways to get involved, we ensure that every student can find their "crew" and build lasting connections to their school.