ESSEX, NY – A select group of 26 schools from across the U.S and 2 in Ireland have been recognized by CFES Brilliant Pathways as Schools of Distinction for their exemplary efforts in helping students become college and career ready.

The competitive award acknowledges the development and execution of a highly-effective plan for the entire student body to become college and career ready through the CFES 10-Point College and Career Readiness Plan. The plan encompasses the organization’s three core practices of Essential Skills™, Mentoring and Pathways to College and Career.

A global leader in helping low-income students become college and career ready, CFES currently supports 25,000 students through partnerships with 200 rural and urban K-12 schools and districts in 30 states and Ireland. Relying on research-driven methods and best practices, CFES has sent 95 percent of its students to college from both urban and rural areas from across the United States.

“The innovative and comprehensive plans implemented by these schools are proven models for success that schools across the country can emulate,” said Rick Dalton, CFES Brilliant Pathways President and CEO. “They have created a culture of college and career readiness that is a foundation for economic development in their regions.”

To become a School of Distinction, a school must fulfill a meticulous and varied set of criteria. These include implementing cutting-edge, school wide programs that advance college and career readiness. 

August Ahrens Elementary School

AuSable Valley Central School

Balbriggan Community College

Beekmantown Middle School

Brooklyn Institute for Liberal Arts

Booker Middle School

Career Readiness Academy at Mosley

Crown Point Central School

Delaware Academy Central School at Delhi

Eugene Ashley High School

Eximius College Preparatory Academy

Friendship Central School

Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School

John T. Hoggard High School

JW Leary Junior High School

Kalon Prep Academy

Kohala Middle School

Moriah Central School

Mulberry Middle School

New Hanover High School

Northeastern Clinton Central School

Northern Lehigh High School

Otter Valley Union High School

Pelham Preparatory Academy

Plattsburgh High School

Sanford B. Dole Middle School

St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush

Ticonderoga Central School