National ESEA Distinguished Schools

Since 2006, Colorado, in conjunction with the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA)—formerly the National Title I Association—has been selecting examples of superior, federally funded school programs for national recognition through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools program (recently renamed from its predecessor, the National Title I Distinguished Schools program). Schools are selected in one of two categories:

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

Schools are selected based on a combination of academic achievement of the students in the school and the creative and innovative programs that contribute to their success. These Colorado schools join hundreds of other distinguished schools nationwide making a difference for our Title I children.

The schools demonstrate a wide array of strengths, including team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success, and strong partnerships between the school, parents, and the community. The distinguished schools’ stories are especially powerful through the documented student achievement gains that have resulted from their innovations and hard work.

In order to be eligible, schools must meet the following criteria:

• Poverty rate of at least 35 percent;
• Demonstrate high academic achievement for two or more consecutive years;
• Meet or exceed state criteria for at least two consecutive years.

2022 Recipients

Exceptional Student Performance Award

Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
Widefield 3 School District

Principal: Sarah Arellano

Superintendent: Kevin Duren

The 2022 ESEA Distinguished Schools award for Exceptional Student performance for two consecutive year was awarded to Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School: 

• Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School is one of the top performing schools in Colorado and has earned the highest rating in our state accountability system since 2016.  

• Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School met or exceeded expectations on state tests in English language arts and math in 2019.  In 2022, your school as a whole, performed better than 65 percent of all other elementary schools in Colorado on math, and better than 70 percent of all other elementary schools in Colorado on English language arts. 

Exceptional Student Performance Award

Swink Elementary School
Swink 33 School District

Principal: Carol Vezzani

Superintendent: Larry Lyder

The 2022 ESEA Distinguished Schools award for Excellence in serving special populations of students was awarded to Swink Elementary School: 

• Swink Elementary is one of the top performing schools in Colorado and has earned the highest rating in our state accountability system for the last 13 years.
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• Swink Elementary has demonstrated excellence in serving special populations of students. For both English language arts and math achievement, your school performed better than 85 percent of all elementary schools in Colorado for their student groups (such as minority students and students eligible for free or reduced-price meals)

Past Recipients of the Title I Distinguished Schools Award