Austin Independent School District's O. Henry Middle School has been recognized as a 2012 Texas School to Watch. The Texas Middle School Association recognized O. Henry for challenging students to use their minds well, being sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence and providing every student with high-quality teachers and resources. O. Henry is one of six middle schools in Texas to receive this honor and one of 100 nationwide.

Schools to Watch is an initiative launched by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in 1999. The National Forum is an alliance of more than 60 educators, researchers and officers of national associations dedicated to improving schools for young adolescents across the country.