Applications are now open for the National Education Policy Center’s Schools of Opportunity program, which recognizes schools that are exemplary in their work to close opportunity gaps. Applications are open through January 31st. The program focuses on schools that serve the high school grades, and anyone can nominate a school.

Founded five years ago, the program draws attention to high schools that create outstanding learning opportunities for all their students. The application and evaluation processes consider how these schools are broadening and enriching learning opportunities, creating and maintaining a healthy school culture, and implementing a variety of research-based approaches that close opportunity gaps. The application criteria are described in detail online, along with the program’s scoring rubric.

All applications are reviewed by a national panel of school leaders and researchers. Schools in the running for Gold and Silver designations receive site visits. To publicize the approaches and accomplishments of recognized Gold and Silver schools, write-ups will be published in the Washington Post Answer Sheet blog and other media outlets.