The America’s Best Schools Award honors public schools and public charter schools where all student groups achieve academic proficiency, develop a love of learning, and are well-prepared for post-secondary education, careers, and community life.
While many private schools are impressive, this award program is reserved for public schools that serve students without selective admissions policies. Our goal is to highlight and learn from elementary, middle, high, and alternative schools where every demographic group demonstrates exceptional results.
By studying and celebrating these schools, we share their practices through books, articles, webinars, networks, leadership programs, courses, and district partnerships. Ultimately, we aim to increase the number of schools nationwide achieving outstanding results for all students.
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, 2025
Before applying, please review all application items carefully. Items marked with an asterisk (*) represent non-negotiable criteria (see pages 3–6 of the application).
Schools should apply only if they meet every non-negotiable criterion.
Sample application pages addressing these items can be found in the appendices.
If you are uncertain whether your school meets a requirement, please email ncust@sdsu.edu with your anticipated response for clarification.
Each district may submit applications for up to five schools.
Complete the application and submit it to NCUST. To ensure consideration, NCUST must receive the application by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on November 21, 2025
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