Sycamore Elementary School is one of 63 U.S. schools that have been designated as 2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools. The school earned this prestigious honor by virtue of extraordinary success in improving student achievement.
“Our district’s mission—ALL belong, learn, and grow—guides everything we do,” says Sycamore Principal Nicole Harris. “We serve 529 students at Sycamore: 15.3% are multilingual learners, 20% receive special education services, and 55.2% qualify for free or reduced lunch. We celebrate this diversity because our students’ cultures, languages, and experiences strengthen our school and enrich learning for everyone.”
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators—formerly the National Title I Association—has been selecting examples of superior, federally-funded schools through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools program since 1996. This program celebrates schools nationwide that have made significant progress by effectively utilizing ESEA federal funds to enhance student education outcomes.
Each year, the program highlights the success of schools in one of three categories:
- Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth
- Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups
- Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.)
Sycamore Elementary School’s award places them in category 1. Avon’s Pine Tree Elementary School also earned this award in 2021.
About the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program
More information, including the full list of 2025 honorees, is available on the ESEA Network website: ESEAnetwork.org/ds. You can also Download the list of 2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools. The 2025 National ESEA Distinguished Schools will be honored during the 2026 National ESEA Conference, taking place from February 10-12, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. For more details, visit ESEAnetwork.org/conference.
About Avon Schools
Avon offers students high-quality educational instruction with a keen focus on improving student achievement. We serve nearly 11,000 students from preschool to graduation in 13 schools (one early learning center, eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school). Our 1,600 employees dedicate themselves to the success of our diverse student population. Learn more at avon-schools.org.
