Core Knowledge Schools of Distinction
Schools of Distinction are recognized by the Core Knowledge Foundation as offering a superior educational experience for students. These exemplary schools have demonstrated effective and thorough implementation of the Core Knowledge approach. They’re shining examples of what’s possible through knowledge-based learning.
Each school not only exhibits strong instructional practices, but fosters collaboration, involves all stakeholders, and strives for continuous improvement.
Explore each Core Knowledge School of Distinction to learn implementation techniques from the best and see what sets each school apart from the crowd. In the spirit of community, we invite you to visit a Core Knowledge School of Distinction near you to learn, ask questions and see our approach in action.
Apply to Join Our Schools of Distinction
Has your school seen success in adopting the Core Knowledge approach? Do you follow an implementation and professional development plan aimed at continuous improvement? Would you like to see your school join the ranks of the above Schools of Distinction?
To apply, schools must commit to a more rigorous implementation, including meeting specific milestones established by the Foundation. It is recommended that a school hoping to achieve recognition as a Core Knowledge School of Distinction follow an implementation and professional development plan created in ongoing collaboration with the Core Knowledge Foundation. For schools that are relatively new to Core Knowledge, attaining School of Distinction status is expected to take at least three years; during which time, schools and the Foundation ensure that processes, professional development, and resources that support strong implementation of the Core Knowledge approach are put into place. As a first step, we encourage school leaders to familiarize themselves with two key tools used throughout the process:
- Core Implementation Practices (CIP): This resource delineates what it means to implement the Core Knowledge approach with a high degree of fidelity
- Implementation Feedback Rubric (IFR): This tool assists with assessing a school’s implementation relative to the goals and level of rigor articulated in the Core Implementation Practices
Please note that designation as a Core Knowledge School of Distinction is granted at the sole discretion of the Core Knowledge Foundation. Relatively few schools will attain Distinction status. While the process of applying can serve as a rewarding learning experience, completion of the application process does not guarantee successful demonstration of the criteria for success. Want to get started? Want to learn more?
The School of Distinction designation will expire after five years, but schools that remain active in the Core Knowledge community can engage in a modified evaluative process in order to renew their designation. Questions about the renewal process?
The Core Knowledge Foundation is no longer using the original evaluation process through which the Core Knowledge Official School or Core Knowledge Visitation School status could be attained. Therefore, no additional schools will be recognized as Official or Visitation sites. Schools that were recognized as Official or Visitation sites — and are still implementing the Core Knowledge Sequence — are invited to continue using the designation.
Core Knowledge Schools of Distinction are eligible for the following:
- 25% off on all Core Knowledge instructional materials*
- 25% off on online professional learning modules*
- 25% off on in-person professional learning at your school conducted by Core Knowledge Staff (Leadership Institute, Conferences and Train the Trainer and trainings conducted by Core Knowledge Licensed Professionals are excluded from this offer) *
*These offers are good from 1/1/25–8/31/2026 for Active Schools of Distinction Only