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.

• Step 1:  Schools submit an online written application.
• Step 2: Written applications are reviewed by panel.
• 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.