The America’s Best Schools Award recognizes outstanding public schools and public charter schools where students from every demographic group achieve exceptional academic success and are well prepared for college, careers, and life.
Across the nation, remarkable schools are demonstrating that high levels of achievement are possible for all students. NCUST seeks to identify these schools, celebrate their accomplishments, and share the practices that contribute to their success.
Schools selected for recognition serve diverse student populations, achieve outstanding results, and demonstrate the leadership, culture, instructional practices, and schoolwide systems that support student success.
Through research, publications, professional learning, district partnerships, and the annual America’s Best Schools Symposium, NCUST shares lessons from award-winning schools to help educators improve outcomes for every student group.
Download the application below.
Read the overview of NCUST’s America’s Best Schools Award Program to learn more about the award criteria and the application process.
If you believe your school qualifies, prepare and submit the Intent-to-Apply Form by November 3, 2026
Before applying, please review all application items carefully. Items marked with an asterisk (*) represent non-negotiable criteria (see pages 3–7 of the application).
Schools should apply only if they meet every non-negotiable criterion.
If you are uncertain whether your school meets a requirement, please email ncust@sdsu.edu with your anticipated response for clarification.
Each public school district or charter school organization may submit applications for no more than five schools. For organizations operating multiple districts, regions, or local education agencies under common governance, the five-school limit applies to the organization as a whole, not to each district or region.
Complete the application and submit it to NCUST. To ensure consideration, NCUST must receive the application by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, November 20, 2026.
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