Federal and State Programs - Title I

Title I is a federally funded program designed to help students meet challenging state academic standards in order to succeed in school. Title I-A is a section of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that established these programs. It is formula-funded based on poverty levels as determined by free and reduced meal application status, but the services provided are for students at-risk of not meeting Arizona's K-12 Standards, so that they can improve their skills, succeed in the regular classroom and reach grade-level proficiency.

What is the purpose of Title I?

The purpose of Title I is to provide all children with a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, high-quality education and to close educational achievement gaps. Title I supports our Title I schools to help ensure every child has access to an excellent education.

How is this accomplished?

• Supplemental programs (before/after school)
• Summer school programs
• Instructional support services
• School-wide reform efforts
• Teacher professional development
• Increased involvement of parents in their children’s education
• Evidence-based teaching strategies

How is the funding received by our district?

Our funding is determined by the number of eligible families, based on their annual income. This information is gathered by completing a Free & Reduced Meal application. Additionally, if eligible, students have access to much more than nutritional access!

What other benefits are available to qualified students?

If eligible, students have access to many of the following programs and resources:  

• Afterschool and 21st Century Learning Programs
• English Learners Program
• Foster Care Resources
• Homeless and Migrant Resources
• Gifted and Advanced Learning Program
• Health and Nutrition Services
• Information Technology
• Office of Indian Education
• Special Education
• Intervention Programs for Math and Reading
• School Safety and Social Wellness
• Reduced fees for participation in Middle School and High School Athletics
• Reduced fees for participation in certain other extracurricular events and programs

 Please Note: Not all programs are available at all schools.

Applications for free and reduced meals must be submitted annually, even if approved the previous year.   

We encourage all families to apply for free and reduced meal benefits as many families have experienced a change in their income due to COVID-19.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The income data collected is used solely for the purpose of determining eligibility for funding for our district.

To apply, submit your Free and Reduced meal applications online. Once there, click "Apply for Meals Today" or "Solicitar Comidas Hoy" located on the right side of the page.

In addition to receiving free or reduced fee meals, eligible students may also qualify for additional benefits including:

• Reduced fees for participation in Middle School and High School Athletics
• Reduced fees for participation in certain other extracurricular events and programs
• Other State and Federal benefits