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.

​

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

• 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 and are provided with written feedback and encouraged to incorporate that feedback in submitting a new application for the next cycle.

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.