Title I Program

Title I funding gives money to schools to provide students with additional support and services. The program aims to give every child a chance for a good education and to close the gap in learning among different groups of students.

Qualifying for Title I Funding

Schools are identified for Title I funds based on the percentage of students eligible for free meals through direct certification data. 

In FCPS, all elementary schools with 40% or more students eligible for free meals through direct certification are identified as Title I, and all secondary schools with 50% or more students eligible for free meals through direct certification are identified as Title I.

FCPS Title I Schools

There are 43 Title I elementary schools and two Title I middle schools in Fairfax County.  Currently, all Title I served schools operate under the schoolwide instructional model. Schoolwide models use Title I funds to upgrade the entire educational program of the school with a focus on closing achievement gaps. Additional information on individual schools can be found on the School Profile pages.

How Do Schools Use Title I Funding?

In FCPS, Title I grant funding supports schools in a variety of ways, including the four categories below. 

Teacher Training

Title I schools recognize the importance of excellent instruction to advance students’ learning and close achievement gaps. Title I schools use resource teachers skilled in reading/writing or math. They work with other teachers to improve teaching methods. 

Learn more about efforts made to secure high-quality staff for Title I schools. Learn more about the special training available to teachers and students at Title I schools. 

Learning Materials

Title I schools purchase high-quality materials, including books, software, and technology tools. The goal of these materials is to help students learn better and get ready for college or jobs. 

Family Engagement

Family involvement is key to student success and families also play an important role in Title I. They are encouraged to participate in their child’s education by supporting the child’s learning outside of school – such as reading together – and attending activities sponsored by the school. Families are encouraged to participate in decisions about the school. 

Schools and school divisions receiving Title 1 funding have the following specific expectations for informing and involving parents and families:

Extra Help

Title I schools provide various opportunities for students to receive extra help. These can include help for students who are struggling or enrichment for students wanting more of a challenge. At the division level, Title I funds support grant administration and assist with school reform efforts.

Title I Funding Overview

Title I is the largest source of federal funding for education. Schools receive Title I funds as part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which is appropriated annually by the U.S. Congress. Title I funding is formula-driven and is based on state and local poverty data. 

The following groups are involved in getting Title 1 funding to schools:

• Federal Government - Each year, the federal government provides Title I funding to state education agencies. The state education agency submits a plan describing its rigorous academic standards, academic assessments, and statewide school accountability system.
• State Educational Agency - The state distributes funds to school divisions based on poverty levels in U.S. census data. Additional information on divisions and schools within the statewide accountability system can be found in the Virginia Department of Education School Quality Profiles.
• School Division - The school division identifies eligible schools based on federal guidelines and provides Title I resources and assistance to the schools and related central support programs.
• Title I Schools - Title I schools conduct an annual needs assessment and plan school reform strategies to address their community’s unique needs to ensure all students access high-quality learning experiences and all families are meaningfully engaged.

Additional details about the Title I budget can be found in the most recent FCPS Program Budget Book. 

Contacts and Additional Resources 

Several local, state, federal, and nonprofit sources can provide additional information and resources related to Title I.  

FCPS Contacts

Principal of your child’s Title I school

https://www.fcps.edu/schools-centers

FCPS Title I Team

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 571-423-4700
Email: [email protected]