Distinguished Schools

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National Title I Distinguished Schools

The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is a project of the National Association of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Program Administrators (NAESPA) that publicly recognizes qualifying federally-funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievement of their students. The National Title I Distinguished Schools award has been presented to schools across the nation, but only two winners are chosen for each state.

Process for Selection Criteria

Schools are named by their State Education Agency (up to two schools per state) and collectively exhibit the following common characteristics:

A poverty rate of at least 35% for the selected year (may use the state’s average poverty rate to qualify a school if below 35%)
Demonstrate high academic achievement (which may include high academic growth)
Meet or exceed state-determined accountability criteria

Three Categories of Distinguished Schools

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A School may qualify for one or more categories based on data that has been submitted to Arizona Department of Education and was quantified.

How Schools are Honored

All National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools are honored with a commemorative award package, including entry to the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Conference, a dedicated section on the ESEA Network website, and a special presentation at the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Conference. Throughout the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Conference, select sessions feature Stories of Success from Distinguished Schools, highlighting the notable work they have done to make significant improvements for their students. Distinguished Schools attendees are celebrated during several exclusive conference events.

All Arizona State Distinguished Schools Finalists are recognized on the Arizona Department of Education Distinguished Schools website and recognized during the state Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Conference.