Who Qualifies for the President's Education Award?

The President's Education Awards Program, sponsored by the U. S. Department of Education in partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Directors and the NASSP, was created to recognize and honor students who have achieved high academic goals through their hard work and dedication to learning. To qualify for the President's Award for Educational Excellence, students must be enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school and maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5.The program awards both the President's Award for Educational Excellence and the President's Award for Educational Achievement.

Both awards may be granted at the sole discretion of the principal of the participating school. To be eligible for either award, students must demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to learning in the academic environment despite various obstacles, maintain a school record that would have met the selection criteria for the President's Award for Educational Excellence, and achieve high scores or demonstrate outstanding intellectual growth, improvement, commitment or development in certain subjects such as English, mathematics, science, etc. Additionally, students may be recognized for their achievements in arts such as music or theater. Only schools participating in the President's Education Awards Program can apply.

Visit the U. Department of Education website for a list of eligible schools. Each winner of the President's Award for Educational Excellence will receive a certificate with a gold seal at no cost. Pins based on the student's grade level (elementary, middle and high school) can be ordered for an additional fee.

Winners of the President's Award for Educational Achievement will receive a certificate with a silver seal at no cost. Since 1983, the President's Education Awards Program has honored elementary, middle and high school students who have achieved excellence through their hard work and dedication to learning. For more information or questions about the President's Award for Educational Excellence, contact Compass.