A+ Application Process

The A+ School of Excellence Award is a multi-step process: 

To be considered for the A+ School of Excellence Award, schools begin by submitting an online written application.  Application submissions are reviewed by a panel of experienced judges comprised primarily of A+ School principals along with superintendents and other district administrators. Panels may also include teachers from A+ Schools, higher education personnel, and other Pre-K-12 professionals.  Applications should center around what makes your school exemplary.

Intent to Apply

If your school is planning to submit an A+ School of Excellence application for the upcoming deadline on August 29, 2025, please complete the Intent to Apply Form.

Submitting this form does not count as your official application. Instead, it allows AEF staff to better support your school with targeted updates and resources throughout the process. Completing the form simply indicates your interest; schools may still choose not to apply after submitting it.

• Step 1:  Schools submit an online written application.
• Step 2: Written applications are reviewed by panel. See the rubric here.
• Step 3:  If the written application is successful, schools are granted a site visit. Schools who do not receive a site visit are provided with written feedback and encouraged to incorporate that feedback in submitting a new application for the next cycle.
• Step 4:  Schools receiving site visits are visited by a team of judges who vet the programs and activities described in the written application. Site visits are a day and a half.
• Step 5:  Schools who have successful site visits are given the A+ Award. Schools who are unsuccessful are encouraged to reapply the next cycle. The schools are provided with written feedback and encouraged to incorporate that feedback when submitting a new application.

Schools selected for the award receive $500 and a banner for display on campus. A school retains the A+ designation for four full school years as long as they remain an “A” or “B” school and continue to exhibit the exceptional qualities that are the hallmark of A+ Schools.

Schools that earn the award agree to comply with AEF authorized logo and name usage requirements related to the A+ School of Excellence designation.