Distinguished Schools
National Title I Distinguished Schools
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is a project of 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%)
Demonstrated high academic achievement (which may include high academic growth)
Met or exceeded state-determined accountability criteria
Three Categories of Distinguished Schools
A School may qualify for one or more category based on data that has been submitted to ADE and was quantified.
How Schools are Honored
All National ESEA Distinguished Schools are honored with a commemorative award package including entry to the National ESEA Conference, a dedicated section on the ESEA Network website, and a special presentation at the National ESEA Conference. Throughout the National 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 School attendees are celebrated during several exclusive Conference events.
Previous Awardees
2023-2024
Arizona Autism Charter School
Director: Diana Diaz
Echo Canyon School (Scottsdale Unified School District)
Principal: Kat Hughes
