The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has opened the 2025 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School Award Program Application. Schools must submit an application by November 14.
The National ESEA Distinguished School Program is a project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators that publicly honors Title I, Part A-funded schools for positive educational advances and the outstanding academic achievement of their students.
The WDE will select two schools for their success in one of three categories:
- Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years.
- Closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years.
- Excellence in serving special populations of students (homeless, English learners, Native American, Hispanic, etc.).
In order to qualify, the school must have:
- A poverty rate equaling at least 35%.
- Met or exceeded 2024-2025 state-determined accountability criteria.
- Demonstrated high academic achievement for two or more consecutive years.
- Not been recognized as a Distinguished School in the previous two years.
For more information, contact Karen Bierhaus, Title I Director and Wyoming’s Distinguished Schools State Coordinator, at karen.bierhaus@wyo.gov or 307-857-9284.
