Falls Church City’s Thomas Jefferson Elementary School was one of 101 Virginia public schools, and the only City school, to earn national distinction this week as a Title I Distinguished School.

The Virginia Board of Education recognized public schools statewide for their commitment to raising the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students.

To become a Title I Distinguished School under the federal No Child Left Behind education program, Thomas Jefferson was required to maintain full state accreditation under Virginia’s Standards of Learning program for the previous two academic years, and meet federal standards in reading and mathematics.

“When provided effective and focused instruction, all children – regardless of economic status – can achieve academic success, and these results confirm that, said Virginia Board of Education President Eleanor Saslaw.

The elementary school will receive a certificate recognizing the distinction, in addition to federal funding for programs intended to raise at-risk student achievement.

Thomas Jefferson also received Title I status last year and a check for $8,488.