New Jersey Department of Education

Distinguished Schools

The Distinguished Schools Program is sponsored by the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators.    Only two (2) schools per state are selected each year as National ESEA Distinguished Schools, making this award an especially prestigious honor.  ​

For a school to qualify for the National ESEA Distinguished School Award, it must meet the following criteria:

  • A poverty rate of at least 35% for the selected year (may use state’s average poverty rate to qualify a school if below 35%)​
  • A demonstration of high academic achievement (which may include high academic growth) for two (2) or more consecutive years​
  • Met or exceeded state-determined accountability criteria based on two (2) or more consecutive years of achievement data​

 Each state may select up to two (2) qualifying public schools, with a maximum of one (1) school per category:​

  • Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two (2) or more consecutive years​
  • Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups for two (2) or more consecutive years ​
  • Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., homeless, migrant, English learners, children in foster care, etc.)​

National ESEA Distinguished Schools

2023-2024 Title 1 Distinguished Schools
2022-2023 Title 1 Distinguished Schools
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