January 24, 2024 - Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has learned that Union Cross Traditional Academy is one of just sixty-five schools in the United States named a 2023 National ESEA Distinguished School for the extraordinary success of their students.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA)—formerly the National Title I Association—has been selecting examples of superior, federally-funded schools for national recognition through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools program since 1996. The organization celebrates the efforts of schools across the country making significant improvements. The program has annually acknowledged the success of hundreds 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.)

Union Cross was named in category two for closing the achievement gap. Only one other North Carolina school was selected.  ArtSpace Charter in Swannanoa was chosen in category three.

NAESPA implemented the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program to highlight selected schools that have effectively used their ESEA federal funds to improve education outcomes for students. More information about all National ESEA Distinguished Schools is available on the NAESPA website: www.ESEAnetwork.org/ds and you can see the list of the 2023 schools here.

The 2023 National ESEA Distinguished Schools will be honored February 7-10, 2024, at the 2024 National ESEA Conference.