Thomas Jefferson Elementary is among 92 schools being recognized by the Virginia Board of Education as a "Title I Distinguished School". The honor is presented annually to schools that raise the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students. The awards are based on student achievement on state assessments during 2010-2011 and the previous school year.

To earn the designation of “Title I Distinguished Schools” Thomas Jefferson maintained full state accreditation under the commonwealth’s Standards of Learning program for two consecutive years, met federal benchmarks in reading and mathematics and had average test scores in both subjects at the 60th percentile or higher.

"This honor acknowledges the hard work and collaboration of staff and the great support from parents and the community," said Thomas Jefferson Principal Bob Palermo.

"The foundation of each of these success stories is the conviction that all children — regardless of family income — can learn and achieve," Board of Education President David M. Foster said.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary is Falls Church City’s only Title I school.  The school will receive a certificate celebrating its status and achievement.

Title I of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) provides funding to school divisions and schools for programs to raise the achievement of students identified as being at risk. The federal education law requires schools and school divisions to meet annual objectives for increasing student achievement on statewide assessments in reading/language arts and mathematics.